LEICESTER have re-jigged their riding order ahead of their Midlands derby trip to Birmingham on Wednesday (7.30pm).
The Watling JCB Lions lead the Championship table by three points from Glasgow, who have three matches in hand and remain favourites to finish top ahead of the play-offs at this stage.
However, if the Lions can collect away wins at Perry Barr and then Scunthorpe they can put plenty of further pressure on the Tigers to pick up more points on the road themselves, as the teams battle for the right to pick their semi-final opponents in the play-offs.
Ahead of the trip to the Second City, boss Stewart Dickson has moved skipper Scott Nicholls to the No.3 position, with Ryan Douglas going to No.5 as the Lions look to maximise their points in the main body of the side.
Ty Proctor misses the meeting after picking up a back injury whilst racing for Peterborough on Monday, whilst Steve Worrall guests for injured twin brother Richie at No.1.
Dickson explained: “I wanted to get the Scott Nicholls/Ellis Perks partnership back together again, because that’s got us a lot of points this season.
“Moving things around like this allows us to do that, and my intention was that Ty could rebuild a bit of confidence at No.2 but obviously he’s now been ruled out.
“It means it’s a step up for Ryan to move to No.5, but he’s been riding well and I’m confident he can handle it.”
Hosts Birmingham have improved significantly since their early-season woes, but have suffered a major blow with in-form skipper James Shanes ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.
Shanes had been scoring heavily at reserve, but he crashed out in a grasstrack event at the weekend and the Brummies’ problem is compounded by the fact that he now moves into their top five, with rider-replacement the only option.
Lions captain Nicholls said: “Birmingham have shown some improved form, they’ve made changes and you write anyone off at your own peril.
“We go there in determined mood, we go there to get a win, and now it’s all about putting the points on the board. We want to keep the momentum going and keep spirits high in the team.”
Lions season ticket holders are reminded they can receive £5 off admission at Perry Barr on production of their ticket, as part of a reciprocal deal between the clubs. Adult admission in that case will be £11.50.
BIRMINGHAM: Adam Ellis, James Shanes R/R, Tero Aarnio, Paco Castagna, Jason Garrity, Jordan Jenkins, Nick Agertoft.
LEICESTER: Steve Worrall, Ty Proctor R/R, Scott Nicholls, Ellis Perks, Ryan Douglas, Joe Lawlor, Connor Mountain.
