LEICESTER face the ultimate test of their improved form when they visit SGB Premiership leaders Swindon on Bank Holiday Monday (4pm).
The Watling JCB Lions are on a high after collecting six points from wins at Belle Vue and at home to Somerset at the start of the weekend, to give them a realistic chance of overhauling King’s Lynn in the battle at the bottom.
But the Robins have been the team to beat since mid-season, surging clear at the top of the table with a run which now extends to 14 successive wins.
However, a weakened Lions team gave them one of their tougher tests on their previous visit earlier this month, with the final result of 52-40 not reflective of the Leicester effort as the scores were level with three heats to go.
On this occasion, the Lions have their regular six riders all available with rider-replacement continuing to cover for the injury absence of Pawel Przedpelski.
Swindon have problems at reserve with both Bradley Wilson-Dean and Zach Wajtknecht on the sidelines, the hosts bringing in Todd Kurtz and Mitchell Davey as guest replacements.
Lions boss Jim Lynch said: “We’ve got three really tough matches to finish with, and we do realise we’re going to Swindon and Rye House (next Monday) at a time when they have a lot to race for.
“They’re up there challenging for the league title, so it’s going to be difficult going to their own tracks.
“But we’re looking forward to it, and really we’ve got nothing to lose. We’ve had a pretty good weekend to say the least – obviously Belle Vue was a big surprise, and we fully deserved it, whereas in fairness to Somerset they were fairly depleted on Saturday.
“It’s all setting us up well for next season too. The people running the club believe we can do something here at Leicester, and I do believe the future is bright.”
Supporters should note that the Lions are on first in a double-header at the Abbey Stadium, starting at 4pm, which will be followed by a fixture between Swindon and Somerset.
SWINDON: Jason Doyle, Adam Ellis, Tobiasz Musielak, David Bellego, Nick Morris, Todd Kurtz, Mitchell Davey.
LEICESTER: Kim Nilsson, Erik Riss, Lasse Bjerre, Pawel Przedpelski R/R, Danny King, Josh Bates, Kyle Newman.
