NORTHERN Ford Premiership heavyweights and Grand Final contenders Widnes Vikings and Leigh Centurions will go head-to-head at the Auto Quest Stadium on Boxing Day in front of a record crowd.

Vikings officials are confidently predicting a gate of 6-7000 - smashing the previous NFP attendance record and setting a new highest attendance figure for the Auto Quest.

With both clubs boasting 100 per cent records this season and both recruiting heavily in the off-season, rivalry between the near neighbours has never been higher.

The build-up is already in full swing for one of the biggest games in the NFP calendar but the Centurions are playing it low-key, keeping their preparations unchanged.

"We know it's a big game but we'll be treating it in the same professional manner we would any game," says Leigh's head coach Paul Terzis.

"It should be a tremendous atmosphere, especially with our huge army of travelling support. It's this sort of big game that all players want to be involved in." Leigh are anticipating taking over 2000 fans with them and with Widnes averaging close on 4000, the NFP crowd record of 5230 - set between the same clubs in 1999 - is sure to be smashed.

And since the old Naughton Park was redeveloped the best Auto Quest attendance was 6400 for a Challenge Cup tie against Leeds in 1999.

Both camps report injury-free squads to select from with only long term casualties Kieron Purtill and Willie Swann out of Leigh's plans.

Winger Dave Ingram, who missed the Whitehaven win because of a neck injury, is back in contention while prop Dave Whittle made a satisfactory comeback at the Recreation Ground.

"It was good to get Dave through that game unscathed," says Terzis. "His confidence is up again and I'm expecting a big contribution from him at Widnes."

Terzis has a couple of a tactical switches up his sleeve which might involve a change of personel from the victorious Whitehaven squad. "It's a matter of picking horses for courses," he says. Terzis knows where the Vikings' strength lies. "They have a big pack and have made a useful signing in Joe Faimalo but it's in the backs where their real dangermen lie.

"Martin Crompton is a clever little player who puts colleagues into holes and then there is Karle Hammond who is adds variety and who is quite unpredictable.

"They are a very strong attacking team but we've got the best defence in the NFP so far. It'll be quite a test and a great occasion."