KANIVA-LEEOR United has an opportunity to claim Kowree-Naracoorte-Tatiara Football League's top scalp tomorrow when it hosts Penola in the match of the round.
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The Cougars are looking to take top spot with a win over the Eagles, who are equal with Padthaway and United on points but have a healthier percentage.
Cougars coach Neil Reeve is expecting a tough encounter.
"We're playing the top team and the reigning premier, so we know it's going to be a hard clash," he said.
"We're really looking forward to it. We talked about it during the week - we've got nothing to lose and everything to gain."
The Cougars will be without star onballer Paul Adlington, who injured his foot during last week's clash with Border Districts.
Reeve said scans had revealed a fracture.
"He'll be out for at least six weeks, so we wish him a speedy recovery," he said.
"It's a big loss but I feel we have the depth in the reserves to cover our injuries."
Reeve said defender Mathew Skrypek and midfielder-forward Jonty Brown - who were also hampered by injuries last week - had pulled up well and would play tomorrow.
He said the Cougars would concentrate on continuing their good form from their six consecutive wins.
"We're going to take the things we've been doing well and really try to drive them," he said.
"We want to make it really positive, rather than focusing on the things we haven't done as well."
United will have to be strong across the ground to counter the Eagles' depth.
The Cougars will need to account for the likes of prolific midfielder Ben McIntyre and the league's leading goal-kicker Adam Merrett.
Border Districts will have its work cut out against another top side this week when it takes on Padthaway.
Eagles coach Mark Good was pleased with his charges' performance last week despite their 54-point loss to the Cougars.
He will be hoping his side continues its improvement against the Lions, who will start the match as clear favourites.
In other round 10 matches, top-five sides Keith and Bordertown will clash at Keith, Naracoorte will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Padthaway against Kingston and Mundulla will host Kybybolite, which is still looking for its first win of the season. Lucindale has the bye.
