Peterborough Phantoms want to play in front of a packed and passionate Plant Ice full house in Friday’s National Cup semi-final

Phantoms coach Slava Koulikov addresses his players.

The city side host Hull Pirates and will be favourites to progress as they take to their own ice with a 4-2 cushion from success in the first leg a fortnight ago.

But Koulikov insists it is simply a 60-minute shootout for a place in the final – and the two form teams are expected to serve up a treat.

Phantoms have reeled off five consecutive victories with Hull triumphing in five of their last six outings – the only blip being their first-leg loss at the hands of Phantoms.

Tempers flared in last weekend's clashes between Phantoms and Basingstoke. Photo: Tom Scott.

“Some people may think we are favourites because we have the lead and home ice advantage, but we can’t think like that,” said Koulikov.

“We have to treat it as a one-off game that starts at 0-0. The lead on aggregate will not be in our minds at all because it is impossible to play defensively for 60 minutes against a team with the quality and firepower that Hull possess.

“It is two very good teams who are both in great form and it will come down to the small details.

“I’m sure it will be an exciting night and we definitely need a full building behind us.

“We had some great semi-finals and finals last season when the fans turned out in big numbers and gave us that extra push.

“Hopefully the same thing happens again so my message to everyone is . . . tell your family, tell your friends and get them down on Friday night!”

Koulikov believes back-to-back clashes against a notoriously tough Basingstoke side last weekend were the perfect preparation for Phantoms ahead of their cup date. Phantoms won two tough matches.

“Basingstoke are probably the hardest-working team in the league so two games against them last weekend was a great way to prepare for a semi-final when we know the level of competition will be through the roof,” Koulikov added.

“Young forward Jarvis Hunt could return from a shoulder problem in time to face Hull but Gareth O’Flaherty remains out with concussion.

Phantoms have Saturday off, but are then back in action on Sunday when hosting second-placed Swindon in an important league clash (February 2 5.30pm).