'Either they are going to have a fantastic end to the season, or we are going to upset them, one way or another' said Everton Tigers coach Tony Garbelotto (pictured) ahead of his side's clash with the in-form Newcastle Eagles in the BBL Playoff Semi Final this weekend. The Londoner also said that after many a fierce battle with the Eagles for titles over the past few seasons, it is only fitting that they meet in another crunch game: 'It is ironic that yet again, we both have to get through each other to get to a final, and we are going to have to play at an extremely high level in order to beat them.'

The Tigers have won their last five games, with two victories over local rivals, Cheshire Jets, a 97-78 win over fellow Semi-Finalists, Glasgow Rocks, and wins over basement sides, PAWS London Capital and Essex Pirates. With former Eagles Trey Moore and Olu Babalola in fine form, former Eagles boss Garbelotto is certain  that the his former employers don't want to match up with the Tigers too soon: 'We are capable of being one of those teams that can beat them' he explained: 'We are going into the game with a lot of confidence, and I should imagine that they don't want to play us too soon!'

Even though he knows the way that they play very well, Eagles player-coach Fabulous Flournoy made no secrets about the fact that his side will be wary of their former team mates, Moore and Babalola, as well as Jerome Gumbs: 'Their key threats are without doubt, Trey (Moore), Olu (Babalola) and (Jerome) Gumbs, but teams generally forget about their other players like James Jones, (Andrew) Thomson and (Kevin) Bell.' He continued: 'If you go to sleep on these guys, they will hurt you, and they are playing well recently, making big shots for them. With Tony (Garbelotto) orchestrating it all, they will be prepared, there is no doubt about that.'

To finish, Flournoy agreed with many fans, that this two-legged Semi Final will be a cracker: 'Look out for the fireworks' he said: 'This game will have everyone waiting!'