Essex are on war footing.

They are relishing today's grudge match' with foes Leicestershire for a place in the Friends Provident Trophy semi-finals, according to skipper Mark Pettini.

And he told the Gazette his troops will be desperate to win what is sure to be a mouthwatering contest at Grace Road (12noon start).

He said: "I think it will end up being a bit of a war but that's what professional sport is all about and those are the games you get up for the most.

"There will be two sides desperate to win because victory will take you one game from a Lord's final, which is about as big as it can get in domestic cricket.

"I'm sure it'll be a heated game but only because they have that Lord's final in mind."

Essex drew with Leicestershire in a recent, stormy LV County Championship fixture.

But Pettini feels his side have the edge over their opponents in the one-day format.

He said: "They are doing okay this season, but I'm not sure they've done any better than us in one-day cricket."

"If you look at their side, I'm convinced that if we play to our potential we are a better one-day side than them and that we'll beat them. It's a one-off game, though, and it's a case of who turns up on the day and wants it more."