While all eyes will understandably be fixed firmly on the Barclaycard Arena on Sunday; the maiden WBBL Cup Final isn’t the only big game this weekend.

Less than 24 hours before Nottingham Wildcats and Manchester Mystics clash in the historical game live on BBC Sport, there is a huge WBBL Championship tussle scheduled between Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters and Team Northumbria.

With their 7-2 record, Hatters are at the forefront of the title race as they look to recapture the crown they handed over to Nottingham last season.

And, even though Team Northumbria have had an under-par start at 4-4 when they were one of the pre-season favourites, Hatters’ star Steph Gandy isn’t taking anything for granted.

She said: “In my opinion they are such a dangerous team because they can score in bunches and can play lock down team defence as well.

“To the credit of Chris Bunten, they are very disciplined as far as running their sets and the many options they have. They execute so well, that if you stop one option, they have a second and third option to go to.

“The key for us getting a victory is making it difficult for them to run their offenses and basically being disruptive on the defensive end – as well as countering it with some mis-matches we have on the offensive end.

“If we match their hard work, then we should be able to come out with a good result.”

Now finally at full strength and with Gandy hitting top gear, Hatters look  like they are going to last the distance. But, with two losses already to their name, they can’t really afford to make that three against a Northumbria side who are heading into the contest off the back of a great road victory at Riders.

“The season in general and especially the first half of it has felt like a learning curve,” mused Gandy.

“We have been learning to play with a lot of new faces, but at the same time, we are having fun learning and coming together as a team.

“Returning after the Christmas break, I felt everyone has come back in better shape and ready to work hard and play.

“My motto going into this season has been just like that – to play hard and have fun, it’s something that’s inscribed in my shoes and a mind-set I’ve had ever since losing my best friend late last year.

“I also hope that 2017 will be special for the Hatters as we look to get back on top once again,” she added ahead of the  pivotal home fixture.

Meanwhile Sunday’s Cup Final clash between Nottingham Wildcats and Manchester Mystics will be shown from midday on BBC Sport, BBC Sport App, Connected TV and on the BBC red button.