The Opposition Bench - N********m P******s - Christmas Double Header 2013

This week, we renew our festive rivalry with last season's League winners. Thursday, we welcome our 'good friends from down the M1' to the Motorpoint Arena, while we make the return trip on Saturday, with the Premier Sports cameras entering the NIC. Jono Bullard (@TCWfanzine), of The Cat's Whiskers fanzine and Cat's Whiskers TV, helped us to preview the double-header. Quite frankly, I was a little gobsmacked when he agreed.

How do you feel the season has gone for the Panthers?

It's been gloriously inconsistent. We look like world beaters one night then clueless the next. Our incredible home form is the only reason why we are where we are in the league.

Have the Continental Cup exploits damaged your domestic chances?

I would say yes, but it's a competition we had to enter, especially as we had the first round at the NIC. However the injuries that have resulted from the CC have seriously damaged us this season so far.

This week continues the tradition of Steelers/Panthers games over the festive period. Do the Steelers/Panthers games still mean as much to you? 

Yes. I hate losing to the Steelers, I love winning against them. Thankfully I've had more happier days than bad in the last few seasons ;-)

Personally, when I first started going to Steelers games, it was drummed into me that these games mattered, and that we hated the Panthers. Is there still that from your end? 

We despise the Steelers, but since we started winning trophies on a regular basis the wider fan base perhaps don't see you as the huge rivals that we once did. I'd happily lose every game against the Steelers if it meant we won the league.

Other than Steeler Slayer Matt Francis, who should we be particularly wary of?

David Clarke is having an excellent season. Absolute goal machine. Leigh Salters also has everything, including toughness.

Anyone on the Steelers team that gives you cause for concern?

Only Legue to be honest. Always capable of scoring an important goal. On paper the Steelers should have destroyed this league but have very much flattered to deceive. I think Dowd, although a very good player, is overrated.

Any predictions for the two games? For some reason, I don't see a repeat of the 9-4...

Neither do I. I expect Steelers to win at the tin shed with Panthers winning handsomely at the NIC.

What about the rest of the season? Still have hopes for the title, or are the knockouts a more realistic aim? 

Belfast looked nailed on for the league, we've been saying it on the show for a while now. We're always dangerous in the knock-outs so I wouldn't bet against us for either trophy.

Belfast for the league?

Yes

A massive thank you to Jono for answering our questions. You can catch Cat's Whiskers TV every week - keep up to date by following them on Twitter HERE