Thomas wary of Stingrays' potential for surprise

So far, Steelers boast a 100 per cent record over their Yorkshire rivals, following up two 6-3 victories in the Challenge Cup with a 7-0 mauling of Sylvain Cloutier's side when the two met in the Elite League at Ice Sheffield last month.

On that occasion, Cloutier admitted his side 'failed to turn up' but Thomas expects to face far more difficult opponents at Hull Arena (7pm).

"We'll know which Hull team is showing up pretty early on in the first period," said 27-year-old defenceman Thomas.

"I certainly don't expect it to be like the last time we met, particularly with them being on home ice. They are obviously blowing a little bit hot and cold at the moment. Clearly with some of the results they have had they have a lot of potential."

Much to their coach's dismay, Stingrays have proved wildly inconsistent in the past month, following up a 5-1 win at Coventry Blaze with that heavy defeat to the Steelers.

A four-point weekend then followed – including a 3-2 overtime win over league leaders Belfast Giants – but that was wiped out by an embarrassing 12-0 defeat at Cardiff Devils in front of the live TV cameras.

Once again, however, Stingrays bounced back to hold high-flying Nottingham Panthers to a 1-1 Challenge Cup draw last Sunday.

"The result didn't go our way the last time we played Sheffield but you have to give them credit too, they played well that night, they came at us hard and they capitalised on our mistakes," said Cloutier.

Hull welcome back defenceman Craig Mitchell tonight after a seven-week layoff with a broken arm. Jeff Legue (finger) joins fellow Steelers' forward Jonathan Phillips (knee) on the sidelines.

Both teams will be in action on Sunday, with Hull heading to Nottingham (4pm), while Steelers play their first home game in nearly a month when they welcome the Braehead Clan to Sheffield Arena (5pm).

Steelers gained revenge last month in Scotland with a 5-2 victory over Bruce Richardson's side after the Scottish newcomers had stunned the title hopefuls with a 4-0 road win in in South Yorkshire the previous month.

IN the Englaish Premier League, Sheffield Steeldogs will look to snap an 11-game losing streak when they travel to Basingstoke Bison.

In the only fixture between the two sides this season, the Hampshire club ran out comfortable 12-5 winners at Ice Sheffield (5.30pm).

Matt Darlow's young side - boosted by the arrival of new signings Andre Payette and Kriss Grundmanis - will return to South Yorkshire on Sunday to host the Slough Jets.

It will be the Steeldogs' last opportunity to take anything off Pete Russell's side, having faced them five times already this season and lost on every occasion.