LEICESTER go in search of more away points when they make the short trip to Birmingham in Championship action on Wednesday (7.30pm).
The Watling JCB Lions significantly enhanced their position with their impressive win at Edinburgh in mid-May, and also collected a point from their previous match on the road at Redcar.
They remain top of the table but Poole and Glasgow are both level on points with a match in hand, and with the Pirates racing at home on Wednesday the Lions may well need a win at Perry Barr to hold on at this stage.
The home side have lost their last two home matches, against Oxford and Poole, having won their previous two, but go into this fixture with three guests after a host of recent problems.
Former Brummies man Erik Riss stands in at No.1 for Claus Vissing, Jake Allen replaces long-term injury victim Josh Auty, and at reserve Adam Roynon covers for James Shanes who is out with a hairline fracture to his thumb.
The Lions drew 30-30 at Perry Barr earlier in the season in a KO Cup tie which was cut short due to rain, and lost a last-heat decider 46-44 in the Second City on their last league visit last August – but they were emphatic winners in their title season of 2019.
New averages for June mean a change of riding order, with Nick Morris resuming his position at No.1 and Connor Mountain joining him for the opening combination; whilst Joe Thompson’s fine form this season sees him move into the top five for the first time as brother Dan switches to reserve.
Manager Stewart Dickson said: “Birmingham have had their troubles recently, and we saw the score that Poole got there last week.
“Obviously we’re looking to get something there, a point would be the minimum, but to be honest we’ll be looking to do more than that.
“We know it won’t be easy, they’re patched-up but Justin Sedgmen has started like a house on fire for them, and you never know what they will get from their guests.
“When you see what Poole scored there, Leicester have to be going there trying to win the meeting. Certainly a point, but if things go our way it’s a meeting we’ll be looking to win.”
Lions season ticket holders are reminded that upon production of proof of that status, they will be admitted to Perry Barr for just £10.
BIRMINGHAM: Erik Riss, Stefan Nielsen, Justin Sedgmen, Ashley Morris, Jake Allen, Adam Roynon, James Pearson.
LEICESTER: Nick Morris, Connor Mountain, Richie Worrall, Joe Thompson, Kyle Howarth, Anders Rowe, Dan Thompson.
