Leslie: We expect it to be tough

London Knights head coach Bob Leslie does not believe that the presence of 13 players in his side with Superleague experience, as opposed to six in the Sheffield Steelers line-up, will make any difference when the teams meet in Sheffield tonight.

Leslie said: ?Steelers have brought in players with National Hockey League experience, so that should even things out.?

Steelers had a delayed start to the season, playing their first games last weekend, three weeks after their Superleague rivals.

They were quickly off the mark with a 3-0 home win over Manchester Storm and followed that up with a 3-3 away draw against Ayr Scottish Eagles. London are top the Superleagueafter Sunday?s 1-0 win over Bracknell but Leslie is expecting the Steelers to prove strong opponents.

He said: ?It?s going to be tough going in Sheffield. On the other hand, I think our guys played a great game at Bracknell. It will be close but all you can hope for on the road is to keep it tight and hopefully get a win.?

Sheffield, who are again coached by former NHL player Mike Blaisdell, had a late start due to ownership, rink and money disputes. They were further delayed when a number of their players were stranded after air travel was postponed following the terrorist attacks in the United States.