LEICESTER Lion Cubs will look to secure their National Development League play-off place when they host Kent at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena on Saturday (7pm).
The Lion Cubs are currently second in the table on 25 points with three matches remaining, and victory over the Royals would take them to 28.
That would mean fifth-placed Oxford are unable to catch them, whilst if the Royals take a point from the meeting they could also theoretically reach 28, although their points difference is significantly inferior to the Cubs.
But a win by seven or more points will provide certainty for Dave Howard’s side, who would then be able to focus on a very realistic aim of finishing top of the table.
The hosts are forced into one change on Saturday with Dan Thompson away on European Under-19 duty. Plymouth’s Adam Roynon steps in to guest at No.1.
The Royals have tracked a strong top two throughout the season, and this remains the case despite the fact that Alfie Bowtell is now on the sidelines.
Kent boss Si Kellow moved to sign Lions regular Max Clegg to replace Bowtell, and he has scored 15-point maximums in both his home appearances so far, forming the spearhead with Ben Morley.
Elsewhere in the side, Connor King signed in mid-season from Plymouth and Sam Woods has joined this week as a replacement for the injured Jamie Halder.
Howard said: “It’s a vital meeting for us, and with Kent having brought in Max it’s sure to be a tough battle, but one we must win to keep the Lion Cubs on the road to the play-offs.
“It is essential that we carry on with the home form we have shown all season, with the help of our supporters. We want a busy end to the season to start in positive fashion.”
LEICESTER: Adam Roynon, Max Perry, Connor Coles, Tom Spencer, Joe Thompson, Vinnie Foord, Mickie Simpson.
KENT: Ben Morley, Sam Woods, Danno Verge, Connor King, Max Clegg, Chris Watts, Sam Woolley.
