PUYALLUP, WA -- Washington Premier FC coach Abdella Hussein is in optimistic mood as his side attempt to upset the odds and defeat bitter rivals Crossfire SC at the WPFC Soccer Complex on Saturday.

WPFC are firm underdogs heading into the clash as they have only beaten Crossfire this year out of three tries.

Crossfire had finished a head of Premier in both the Fall and Winter seasons of PDL.

As well as that, Crossfire better finishes in both the Fall and Winter season in the Player Development League (PDL).

Crossfire also has only allowed one goal during the WSYSA State Challenger Cup.

All that, combined with Premier’s indifferent form this Winter PDL season heading into tomorrow's game, means the boys in white will have an up hill battle to walk off with the pitch with spoils.

However, Abdella does not believe the result is a foregone conclusion, although he concedes it will not easy.

"We have players of a high level who are ready to face these types of matches,'' he said.

"We must be organized, play good futbol and play with intensity from the start. The team is very motivated and looking forward to the game and hopefully things will turn out how we imagine.”

Meanwhile, Premier center midfielder Tanner Stepp insists his side is not afraid of Crossfire and admits that Premier should have won the last time the two teams met on the pitch.

"We respect everyone, but we don’t fear either Crossfire or any other team for that matter. They have a great team and we have the same respect for everyone.”

Abdella welcomes back midfielder Ben Long for the first time in two weeks, but Gavin Martin is injured and has been omitted.

Go Premier!