PETE Yeardley is either refreshingly honest or he's picked up a bit of kidology from Alex Ferguson after spending another week following Manchester United on their European travels.

The Wootton Bassett boss heads into a Hellenic Premier battle with Highworth admitting his side have little chance of escaping defeat.

It could be a case of mind games but, more likely, Yeardley is just telling it like it is with the two clubs at opposite end of the table.

"We've pinched points off of them in the past but usually when they've had a weakened team," said Yeardley, who was watching United in Prague this week.

"I feel they might have too much quality for us.

"On paper they should win, but you never know we will certainly make them earn whatever they get from the game.

"There's a lot of local pride at stake."

John Fisher agrees that his Highworth team are expected to triumph.

"There's no point saying we aren't favourites and I would be very disappointed if we didn't win," he said.

"But Bassett always seem to do well against the top teams. They have caused upsets in the past and beat us at their place last season.

"If we match their effort our quality should see us through."

Ben Gascoyne and Paul Patel return for Bassett after missing the midweek cup loss to high-flying Slimbridge.

Highworth have goalkeeping problems with Elliot Jackson away, but Paul Haines returns to his former club to stand in between the sticks.