LEICESTER are set to face another tough test in the play-off battle as they host a powerful Edinburgh side on Saturday (7pm).
Victory could take the Watling JCB Lions above the Monarchs into second place in the Championship table, and to within four points of Glasgow ahead of home and away clashes later this month.
Edinburgh are back at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena after their planned visit in mid-May, which was scheduled to be the Lions’ first home match of the season, was postponed due to the weather.
Since then, both teams have established themselves in the top six and the Scottish outfit arrive with an impressive away record including narrow wins at Eastbourne and Glasgow, and a thumping victory at Berwick.
They did slip up at Plymouth on Tuesday were they were beaten 50-40, but salvaged a league point from a 48-42 loss at Poole 24 hours later courtesy of a last-heat 5-1.
And the Lions will be fully aware that the Monarchs have a team configuration not dissimilar to the Pirates, who ended Leicester’s long winning run at home a fortnight ago.
Top two Sam Masters and Richie Worrall are both former Leicester riders, with Worrall having played a big part in the Lions’ terrific start to the 2019 season before missing the second half of the campaign due to injury.
The Monarchs also include one of the most spectacular riders in the league in Josh Pickering and UK newcomer Kye Thomson to complete a top four which has proved competitive at almost every venue so far.
The visitors have made a recent change at reserve with Roger Webster Lion Cubs skipper Joe Lawlor released in favour of speedway returnee Luke Crang, who gained most of his experience in the NDL with Coventry Storm in 2013-15.
Lions are at full-strength with all their riders coming through Monday’s Premiership schedule and keen to build on last week’s 63-27 hammering of Birmingham.
But boss Stewart Dickson is warning his side that Saturday’s match is certain to be much closer.
He said: “It’s going to be a tough test, because Edinburgh are a very strong side. Sam is a top rider, I know how well be rides around here, Richie is an ex-Leicester rider who goes very well here, and Josh Pickering is on fire at the moment.
“I think we have the riders to match them at the top end of the side, and if we can do that I’m pretty sure that in the other positions we should be stronger, especially at home.
“We will look to hurt them in other areas, and hopefully we’ll get in and amongst them at reserve.”
LEICESTER: Hans Andersen, Dan Thompson, Kyle Howarth, Nick Morris, Ryan Douglas, Joe Thompson, Zaine Kennedy.
EDINBURGH: Sam Masters, William Lawson, Kye Thomson, Josh Pickering, Richie Worrall, Luke Crang, Nathan Greaves.
