CAPTAIN Danny King reckons ex-Lion Nicolai Klindt could be the danger man when Poole Pirates visit Leicester tonight (7.30).
Klindt finished top of the averages at Beaumont Park last term but starts this season at reserve by virtue of his second-tier figures for Scunthorpe.
But while King acknowledged the strength of a Pirates side determined to wrestle back the title lost to Wolverhampton in 2016, the British champion made a strong case for a home victory after Friday’s gritty late stand in the 49-41 Knockout Cup loss at Somerset.
“It will be tough but we have had a brilliant start and performed well at Somerset,” said King, who top scored with 12-paid-14.
“When you have rider replacement and another rider gets injured, you really suffer but the score shows how well we performed considering everything.
“The reserves were left with a thankless task filling in but we will have to bounce back quickly because Poole Pirates have a team packed with top riders. They are capable from one to seven.
“Nicolai (Klindt) rode at Leicester and did well last season. He has bagged a few points already and will be a big hit for them.
“No one needs to explain how tough it will be against Poole, they are always up there but I believe we can do it. We can beat anyone at home.”
Josh Auty returns having missed the trip to the Oak Tree Arena but Erik Riss and Josh Bates are absent due to Championship commitments. Ipswich’s Rory Schlein and Somerset’s Jan Graversen fill in as guests.
Pirates are scheduled to arrive with a full one-to-seven fresh from Friday’s 57-33 defeat at Belle Vue, also in the Knockout Cup.
Supporters are reminded that the stadium bar opens at 3pm with tickets on sale from 6pm.
LEICESTER: Kim Nilsson, Josh Auty, Kacper Gomolski, Rory Schlein, Danny King, Jan Graversen, Danny Ayres.
POOLE: Krzysztof Kasprzak, Jack Holder, Lewis Kerr, Brady Kurtz, Hans Andersen, Nicolai Klindt, James Shanes.
