Eagles Head Coach Marc Steutel and his team head into what is arguably their biggest game of the fledgling season so far. But then again every game is a big one. The Eagles face reigning regular season Champions London Lions on Friday.

That game will be at the Vertu Motors Arena in front of a packed house and with The Lions currently unbeaten in the SLB will provide a big test for Steutel and his players after an almost two-week break from on-court action.

Last time out Newcastle played well but without Josh Ward-Hibbert in their line-up went down to a narrow defeat at Sheffield against a much vaunted fully fit Sharks roster. The Eagles will be looking to bounce back from that loss as London come to Town.

Coach Steutel mentioned the break and his feelings on that as he opened his thoughts on the game against Lions.

“It’s early in the season to have such a break in play. But it’s been really purposeful in practice and hopefully we’ve used those extra practice days to build our expertise and learn from each other.”

“We can try to understand beyond surface level who we are as players and people and maximise something’s we’re able too. For sure there’s no replication for competing and the guys are really fighting to compete and looking forward to getting back on the floor.”

“I am though proud and pleased how the guys have been working in this time together and we’re excited to go.”

London will come to the Arena on the back of a tough loss in the BXT EuroCup in Turkey against Besiktas on Tuesday night. Their second loss from two in such a prestigious competition. Steutel referenced clubs playing in Europe as he continued.

“One of the great things about British basketball and the SLB is that we have got teams consistently competing in Europe. I’m pleased to see London back competing at EuroCup level.”

“Historically they have been very good at a European level representing our League as we have in our own European competition and other teams have. Any team from the UK competing in Europe are doing the best that they can.”

“With that comes the travelling logistic. London are resourced in a way with their squad depth and everything that they should be able to overcome the travel challenges.”

“We got the chance to watch their game playing in a really difficult Besiktas environment and it gave us the opportunity to watch them a little bit further.”

“They are obviously 3 – 0 in domestic and they’ve had a range of different games and we’re excited to host them at the Vertu Motors Arena and excited to try and give our fans another glimpse into what we’re building this year and the toughness in our group.”

“We have a togetherness in our group and we have to try and make sure we’re at our absolute best trying to take the game to them and make sure we’re playing the game our way.”

Steutel certainly sounds as if he’s ready and making sure the players are ready as well for Friday night as he issued a final rallying call.

“So, hopefully we’re excited and ready to go. I feel like we’ve had good preparation and we’re excited to get out and play in front of our fans.”

“The guys are raring to play in front of our fans again and hopefully give London our best version of ourselves and do all we can to try and win the game.”

Certainly it’s a big moment so early in the season and whilst it’s not necessarily a game that will define what is to come, a win would certainly go a long way to helping The Eagles cause at this stage as they look to progress.

Tip-off as ever on a Friday night in The Vertu Motors Arena is at 7:30pm and it should be a great atmosphere and an excellent night’s entertainment.