Essex go into tonight's Twenty20 Cup showdown with Sussex Sharks knowing history is on their side.

The Eagles have beaten the south coast county on each oftheir last four visits to the Ford County Ground in Twenty20 cricket.

The Sharks' only win at Chelmsford in the game's shortest form came in July 2004, when an unbeaten 68 from ex-England wicket-keeper Matt Prior eased his side to a nine-wicket success.

Since then, it has been Essex all the way - largely thanks to the efforts of Dutch all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate.

In June 2005, the South Africa-born player hit 42 not out as Essex won their Twenty20 Cup game by 43 runs.

The following year, ten Doeschate was at it again as Essex twice vanquished Sussex.

In the Twenty20 Cup in June, his unbeaten 49, as well as 46 from Mark Pettini and four for 23 from Australian Andy Bichel, secured a crushing 87-run win.

Then, in the Twenty20 Floodlit Cup, ten Doeschate took four for 24 and hit 38 notout in a six-wicket win.

Last season, Essex's victory was more of a team effort as six players passed 20 to overhaul Sussex's 165 for five, which included a brutal unbeaten 102 from Zimbabwean Murray Goodwin.

And Essex captain Pettini is confident of another home victory when Chris Adams' side arrive in the county town tonight (7pm start).

"We've got an excellent record against them in one-day cricket and I'm sure they'll be as aware of that as we are," said the 24-year-old, who has recovered from a groin injury.

"Add to that the fact how well we usually play at home, and the difference that makes with the crowd and the atmosphere, and I expect nothing other than a win from the guys tonight.

"We've got three games left in the Twenty20 Cup and it's up to us to win them and decide whether we qualify for the quarter-finals or not.

"I've got a good feeling looking at the two sides, our record against them and the fact we're at home, that we're going to do it tonight."

Pettini will be without England opener Alastair Cook, who was released by the ECB to play in Sunday's crushing defeat to reigning champions Kent at Beckenham.

However, on-loan all-rounder Neil Dexter should be restored to the Essex line-up after missing Sunday's loss to his parent county.