Chiefs are unbeaten this season, but Baxter is fully aware that League form counts for nothing in the once-off Cup Final, especially as it is a derby.
“Pirates are in good shape at the moment just like us and so it will be a very interesting game,” says Baxter.
“I think the derby always has its own life, and form before doesn’t play a great part.”
The English tactician feels that if both teams play to their potential, the Final will be a thrilling affair, but has warned of the total opposite should both teams begin the match in a conservative fashion.
“We know that traditionally Pirates play with high energy and they want to play, and we play the same…we want to play the game the way it should be played: at a high tempo,” he says.
“If both teams play to their potential then both teams will be in for a really good match. But sometimes it doesn’t work that way and it can be a bit of a stalemate but I believe Pirates and Chiefs are playing well enough at the moment for this one to be a good match.”
Baxter hopes the winner of the encounter will not have to be determined through the lottery of a penalty shoot-out.
“This is a Cup final so I am guessing that both teams will go out wanting to be on the front foot,” he says.
“Both teams will want to dominate the game and both teams will prepare to want to win it in regulation time. I don’t think anybody wants this to go to penalties and if it does I am sure both teams will be switched on.
“I think both teams will be pushing to finish the job in 90 minutes.”
-------------------------------------------
