The Basingstoke Bison will be hoping to topple visiting league leaders Milton Keynes Lightning on Sunday night, when the teams clash for the first time this season.

The action in this one starts at the earlier face-off time of 5.30pm, so don’t be late for want promises to be another enthralling battle at the Basingstoke Arena.

MK have had a great start to the season, beaten just once this season, but the Herd will be eager to return to winning ways in their own barn, after last Saturday's narrow defeat against Guildford.

The Lightning include last year Bison Ross Bowers, making his first return to Hampshire since leaving the club. and also have Michael Wales who has played a few games for the Herd in the past on their team.

Basingstoke are hopeful that Tony Redmond will be back in their line-up after missing last weekend. If the Scot has no reaction to his injury in training, he will suit up.

The news on the Bison’s other injured star Scott Spearing is not so good, as he is unlikely to be in action this weekend.

Talking ahead of another mouth-watering clash in Basingstoke, player/coach Steve Moria said: “Milton Keynes have started this campaign really well and they are hard working team with three solid lines."

“Last weekend we started slowly in the first period at home, so this week I am looking for us to come out strong from the opening face-off.”

Tickets are still available for the game by ringing the box office on (01256) 355266.

Before the Basingstoke face MK, the Bison are in action on Saturday night at the Link Centre in Swindon, which has a 5.45pm face-off.

The Herd travel there looking to maintain their impressive road form, which has seen them never beaten in regulation time so far this season.

Last Sunday, the Herd were bitterly disappointed to lose in overtime in Manchester and will be going out all guns blazing for two points in Wiltshire.

Moria said: “It is important for us to get back to winning again as quickly as possible, so that is what we hope to do in Swindon.”