LEICESTER are building up to another massive weekend as they look to consolidate their leadership of the Championship.
The Watling JCB Lions have been inactive since May 25 but still hold a comfortable lead at the top of the table, and will have the chance to go further clear with two matches in two days.
They take on Edinburgh in an attractive-looking clash at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena on Saturday (7.30pm), before heading to current second-placed side Sheffield on Sunday (5.30pm). They are then at Birmingham on June 12.
The home fixture will again see the Lions without Josh Bates, who is due back from injury this weekend but is named as a track reserve for the Grand Prix Qualifier at Glasgow.
In his place the Lions bring in Kyle Howarth to guest, whilst Bates is due back in the side for the trip to Owlerton.
That should bring Leicester back to full-strength, with Ellis Perks fit to ride after pulling out of the Cubs’ home win over Stoke last weekend with a shoulder injury.
Perks and Connor Mountain swap places in the riding order, with Mountain taking a position at reserve, and Jack Thomas is also back in the team after missing the last two matches.
Boss Stewart Dickson said: “It’s all positive at the moment, and we’re looking forward to getting back racing this weekend with more points to go for.
“There’s no problem for us with Connor and Ellis swapping positions, and especially at home they’ve both been strong whatever number they’ve ridden at.
“Kyle did a great job the last time he stood in for us so we had no hesitation in bringing him in as we get the extra 5 per cent on Josh’s average at home, and we should then have a full team at Sheffield on Sunday.
Edinburgh include former Lions rider Ricky Wells, who had a spell with the club in the Premiership last season, and 2016 Leicester man Paul Starke makes a guest appearance for the Monarchs – who track Lion Cubs regular Luke Ruddick at reserve.
Meanwhile, the Lions have been drawn against Berwick in the semi-finals of the Championship Shield, with the other last-four tie featuring Glasgow and Eastbourne.
The clubs are currently in dialogue over dates, with the Lions also seeking to arrange the home leg of their KO Cup tie against the Eagles.
They will definitely travel to Arlington on Sunday June 30 (3.30pm) and supporters are asked to note the strong possibility of a couple of Friday home meetings due to the Lions, Berwick and Eastbourne all being regular Saturday tracks. Updates will be provided as soon as possible.
