LEICESTER launch a vital phase of Championship fixtures with a huge home clash with Poole on Saturday (7pm).
It will be the first meeting at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena since the removal of Covid restrictions, and a big crowd is expected for one of the high-profile meetings of the season.
The Watling JCB Lions are on a high after last Sunday’s superb win at Eastbourne, and now bid to back that up against the Pirates, and then on a southern tour next week as they visit Plymouth on Tuesday and then head to Poole for the reverse fixture 24 hours later.
Zaine Kennedy makes his home debut for the Lions, who are at full strength as they look to move ever nearer to reaching a three-year unbeaten record on their own circuit in official fixtures.
But the Pirates will certainly provide tough opposition with one of the most powerful heat-leader trios in the Championship, captained by former Lions skipper Danny King and with the highly experienced Rory Schlein and Steve Worrall also included.
The visitors, who have picked up points on the road from a narrow defeat at Eastbourne and a draw at Plymouth – both meetings in which they did hold a convincing lead – bring in Alfie Bowtell to replace their absent new signing Ondrej Smetana, who has yet to appear for the club.
And at reserve they include Danyon Hume, who makes his first return to the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena since his sterling work leading the Roger Webster Lion Cubs to a National League double in 2019.
Lions boss Stewart Dickson said: “Poole are a massive name in the sport, I’ve known Matt Ford for 20 years and of course we were in contact recently over the loan of Hans Andersen – and I’m grateful for his co-operation with that.
“I know Matt is gearing up to win the Championship, we are trying to retain it, and when you look at the results elsewhere there are a few teams looking strong and it’s all beginning to bubble.
“It’s a busy week ahead with the away matches to come which we want to get something from - but it’s also crucial that we keep the back door closed at home!”
Supporters are reminded that although legal Covid restrictions have now ended, some measures are still in place to ensure everyone’s safety.
The grandstand will be at full capacity but with a one-way system for entry and exit, and supporters are requested to continue to wear a face covering when entering the washrooms and track shop.
LEICESTER: Hans Andersen, Zaine Kennedy, Kyle Howarth, Ryan Douglas, Nick Morris, Dan Thompson, Joe Thompson.
POOLE: Rory Schlein, Alfie Bowtell, Steve Worrall, Stefan Nielsen, Danny King, Ben Cook, Danyon Hume.
