STEFAN Ratchford says the players feel the buzz of the fans and has called on The Wire faithful to turn out in numbers against Wigan tonight, Thursday, kick off 8pm.

The sides go into the game level on points at the top of Super League, with Tony Smith’s men sitting at the summit by virtue of points difference.

Wolves won the reverse fixture 28-16 at the DW Stadium earlier this month and Wiganer Ratchford says the players are hungry for a repeat performance.

“If you can’t get excited for games like this, what can you get excited for?” he said.

“With it being Wigan, it’s a top-of-the-table clash and it’s always exciting and that brings more of a buzz for the fans but that buzz is there for the players each and every week.

“Whether it’s a 'derby' or we’re playing Catalans or Hull or whoever, the desire to win each game and perform is always there.

“The more the fans can get to the game and get excited about it the better for us. Seeing a packed stadium and a bouncing atmosphere really drives the lads.”

After a recent 62-0 thrashing at Wakefield, Shaun Wane’s side have responded with home wins over Castleford and Huddersfield.

Despite Wigan's injury list, which includes Liam Farrell, Sean O'Loughlin, Sam Tomkins, Dominic Manfredi, Joel Tomkins, Dom Crosby and Michael McIlorum, Ratchford is expecting a tough showing as Warriors welcome back England international George Williams.

“It’s going to be a tough game, we played them three or four weeks ago and that was a real tough one and no doubt it will be the same,” he said.

“They have had some players missing, I know they’ve had a few come back in the last few weeks and might have a couple more back for Thursday’s game.

Ratchford said: “They are always exciting games between the two of us and I’m sure Thursday is going to be no different.”

Ratchford was impressive in Friday’s 48-16 win over Widnes, his new combination with Kurt Gidley in the halves a particularly pleasing sight after the loss through injury of Chris Sandow.

“The sooner Chrissy’s back the better because he offers something different but the more time me and Gids spend playing together the better we’ll be,” he said.

“We’ve got a lot of experience across the board but playing with Gids is great.

“He’s very experienced and he talks really well on the field but we’ve got a lot of players who contribute in that respect as well.”

Joe Philbin replaces Jack Johnson in the Wolves 19, with Tom Lineham likely to feature.