Leeds Force are boosted by their returning stars

Force host Cheshire Phoenix (4pm) at Carnegie Sports Arena with captain Armand Anebo hoping to get minutes on the court after spending the entire season so far on the sidelines.

Long-serving player Oliver Hylands is also back as Leeds seek a boost to a campaign in which they have won only three times in league competition.

American guard Jermaine Sanders also returns after missing fixtures over the festive period.

Forward Rob Marsden said: “It’s good to see everyone is now fit and healthy. It’s been tough on everyone having so many injuries to key players at times.”

“Jermaine missed the Sheffield game a few weeks back; he’s our top scorer so when he isn’t playing you feel it.

“Now we are all fit everyone can now play in their own positions, get the right minutes we need, get some plays going that play to everyone’s strength.”

Force have lost at the first-round stage of the BBL Trophy in each of the last three seasons.

Head coach Matt Newby said: “We haven’t been too successful in knockout tournaments in the past.

“But with the opportunity of gaining silverware in four or five games it’s something we are looking to do.

“Cheshire historically are a stable outfit they have a good programme so it’s not going to be easy but we feel like every game we can win.”

Sheffield Sharks struggled at Worcester Wolves last night, eventually going down 99-68 in the BBL Trophy.