BRIAN McDermott has warned Castleford that Leeds are gunning for them as they aim to make up ground in the battle for the League Leaders' Shield.

The Tigers are Super League's runaway leaders and will arrive at Headingley tonight buoyed by six straight wins over their big-city neighbours, including a record 66-10 victory in the reverse fixture in March.

Leeds have not beaten Castleford on home soil since 2013 and McDermott admitted his third-placed side are highly motivated for their third meeting of the season.

The Rhinos head coach said: "We're going for Cas. Our blokes are going into battle.

"They're a good team at the top of the tree and six points in front of us.

"We want the League Leaders' Shield, so we're having a crack. We're showing up. If we want the League Leaders', we can't lose this game.

"Castleford will be disappointed about their Challenge Cup exit – but they need to be more worried about us than being out of the cup.

"They're a good team that are playing extremely well and at times can't be touched.

"But the way you people (the media) have spoken about them all year is as if they've invented another version of the game. I feel you lot have put them on a pedestal and put them under pressure.

"For them to maintain how you people believe they have played would be hard for them."

Leeds are set to be backed by a record crowd for the fixture and McDermott expects the Headingley faithful to be in good voice.

"There's not a better place to be on a Friday night than when there's a big game at Headingley," he said.

"Our crowd buy into these occasions better than most and really do make it an occasion. We're looking forward to having a big night and a good night."

Castleford boss Daryl Powell has warned his side that their recent record at Headingley will count for nothing.

"There's no better place to play, apart from here (the Jungle)," said the former Rhinos player and coach.

"We've enjoyed playing there over the last few years but it's a different challenge. Leeds are going well and have had a couple of days' rest on us.

"We should be motivated for it. It will be a good crowd and they'll all be baying for blood. It's a great challenge and I'm looking forward to it."

Meanwhile, defending champions Wigan travel to Huddersfield aiming to avoid becoming the first Warriors team since 1903 to go eight league games without a win.

Yet head coach Shaun Wane, whose side have slipped to eighth place – level on ponts with the Giants, who are seventh – insisted: "It doesn't bother me in the slightest.

"We all understand the circumstances we have been in. If that had happened to the team of John Monie, he would have been under the pump.

"We have got players coming back and we are going to be stronger."