Suffice it to say Philpott is expecting a sterner challenge than that from Horowhenua-Kapiti and Wairarapa Bush, who lost 58-7 on a freezing July 9.
Mid Canterbury, he said, would have the odd Christchurch club-savvy players but also possessed play-off experience in the lower-tier Meads Cup.
"To be honest we're not having much of a change with probably one in the halfback," he said as the Magpies offer their wider training squad members an opportune time to savour shield matches.
"We told the players we want to treat these games like any other ITM Cup matches so they need to step up."
When the emotional dust settled after the last shield game, Philpott said it became abundantly clear his men had dominated play, especially in the set pieces.
His expectations in tonight's "ding-dong battle" simply boil down to individuals and the team to reflect incremental gains from the previous two outings.
"I want them to be a lot more clinical and accurate around the breakdowns. I also want them to be a lot more physical in the first 30 minutes and direct."
Philpott said in the previous game dew in the night was a factor but he didn't expect weather to play any part for both sides to show partiality towards expansive football.
A Cantabrian, he played against Mid Canterbury a couple of times in his heyday at Ashburton.
"Ironically I have some very good mates coming from Ashburton and they'll stay over for the Storm [rugby league] match on Saturday so the last thing I'll want tomorrow is for them to be crowing," he said.