SAM Burgess says there is a big-match feel to Warrington Wolves’ ‘derby’ clash with Leigh Leopards tonight.

And all the facts around the game agree.

With four rounds to go, The Wire, third on the Super League ladder, need to win to keep in touch with leaders Hull KR and second-placed Wigan Warriors in the chase for the League Leaders’ Shield.

And Leigh, currently seventh, are just as desperate for a victory to keep their hopes alive of a place in the play-offs – being just a point adrift of both St Helens and Catalans Dragons.

The form guide is similar, with The Wire having won eight of their last nine games, while it’s seven from eight for Adrian Lam’s side.

A potential sell-out is on the cards at Leigh Sports Village but home advantage does not necessarily work for sides against Sam Burgess’ boys who have not lost away from home in Super League for four months – that was a 17-12 defeat at Salford Red Devils on April 27.

“It’s a great challenge of playing away from home as we have been for the last four weeks,” said Burgess, referencing successes at Castleford Tigers, Leeds Rhinos (at Elland Road) and London Broncos.

“We’ve had a block of away games which has been a good challenge for us. It’s the end of that block and albeit there’s a lot to play for we really just want to get our performance at bit better.”

He added: “For us, it’s another step forward, we have to improve.

“There’s plenty we can take out from the Castleford game last week. Although it was a win there were areas we weren’t pleased with as a group and the players themselves led that early in the week.

“We’ve identified a few areas where we need to be better this week, especially against Leigh who I heard saying after their London game that this is a big game for them.

“So we’ll need to be good to get the job done.

“We’ve done our homework on our opponents as we always do, on aspects of their game that are dominant for them and aspects where we think we might be able to work through.

“They’ve got great forwards, Ricky Leutele in the centres is really strong, Zak Hardaker’s been around for a long time and is a very experienced player.

“We understand the challenge in front of us and we’re looking forward to Friday night.

“It’s got a big-game feel, I’d say it’s going to be a sell-out crowd at the den.

“Hopefully we put on a show for it as well.

“My focus is Warrington Wolves and what I think we can bring.

“Sure we’ve had a look at Leigh and what they might throw at us, but most of the year we’ve focused on our process and what works for us.

“And we believe it’s good enough to counteract most attacks, most of the time. It’ll be the same again this week.

“Sure, we’ll get broken down by great teams and players against us, and that’s just the nature of the game and why it’s so good.

“But my focus has been more on Warrington Wolves and where we can get better.”

Warrington were victors 16-14 when the two sides met at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on April 20.

The Wire, then coached by Daryl Powell, were convincingly defeated at LSV last year 30-12.

Queen tribute act, Supersonic Queen, will be performing on stage in the ground at 7pm ahead of the game kicking off at 8pm.