Manchester Phoenix are hoping for another home win when they take on Sheffield Steeldogs in Altrincham on Tuesday (6pm).

Tony Hand’s men need to improve their home form to make up ground on the leaders but to do it they must stop the English Premier League’s hottest goalscorer.

Janis Ozolins leads the league in goals scored along with Slough’s Adam Calder and the Latvian sharpshooter has a good record against Phoenix.

Ozolins has found the net 26 times so far this season putting the Steeldogs a point ahead of Phoenix in fourth place with a game in hand.

“It’s important we continue to win games at home and I’m looking forward to tasty match  with Sheffield,” said Hand, still sidelined with a broken ankle.

“We all know they have strengthened this season and Andre Payette has got them playing some good hockey.

“Quite a few of their players used to play for us so we know what to expect. Hopefully there will be a good crowd and there should be a fantastic atmosphere.”

Phoenix are still missing Steve Wallace with a fractured wrist but Tom Duggan is hoping to make it back.

The 21-year-old British forward hurt his shoulder in the victory against Milton Keynes but is confident he will be fit to face Sheffield.

He said: “Sheffield are a very good side this season and we have to come ready to play,” said Duggan.

“Every team in the league has improved this season but Sheffield have improved more than others.”

Phoenix are also at home on Tuesday January 2 when Bracknell Bees are the visitors to Altrincham.