Judd Trump has predicted an “epic” World Championship final against John Higgins as the duo prepare for the first session of their Sheffield clash on Sunday afternoon.

Four-time champion Higgins produced a brilliant comeback to defeat David Gilbert in a deciding frame in their semi-final on Saturday, winning 17-16 to book his eighth final appearance, and third on the bounce, at the Crucible.

The ‘Wizard of Wishaw’, who revealed he was contemplating retirement towards the end of last season, has not looked at his fluent best throughout the tournament but has once again demonstrated his battling qualities.

In the other semi-final, Trump eased his way into the final after dispatching qualifier Gary Wilson 17-11, with the ‘Juddernaut’ making two centuries and 10 more breaks over 50.

The 29-year-old will be making his second appearance in a World Championship final, having lost 18-15 to Higgins back in 2011 in a thrilling contest.

Speaking ahead of the first session, Trump admits he and Higgins have not been on song, although another thrilling final is expected from the world number seven.

“Me or John haven’t been the best players this week but we’ve just managed to dig in when we needed to and just get over the line,” he was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

“We’re both very tired – it’s mentally draining. I watched John earlier and he was a bit emotional getting back to the final. To be back in the final against him eight years on, it’s going to be an epic.”

Higgins is 2.75 to win his fifth world crown while Trump is the 1.44 favourite to land the title for the first time.