LEICESTER return to full strength for another crucial ROWE Motor Oil Premiership meeting as they host Belle Vue on Thursday (7.30pm).
Australian star Ryan Douglas missed the Watling JCB Lions’ impressive win over league leaders Ipswich last time out, but he has since made his comeback abroad and will line up as No.5 as usual against the Aces.
Lions’ confidence is high after last week’s result, and Thursday’s Premiership programme gives them a potential opportunity to close in on Oxford in the race for a top four place.
The gap between the clubs is currently four points, with Lions having four matches in hand, and there are three points available to them against Belle Vue as the aggregate point is also in play – with Leicester having restricted the Aces to a 48-42 win when the sides met in Manchester last month.
Meanwhile Oxford, who only have six matches remaining, face a tough away trip to Sheffield, so if they are beaten at Owlerton and Lions take the maximum available, the gap would be down to just one point.
Belle Vue still offer a major threat despite a somewhat indifferent away record so far this season, and they arrive at the Pidcock Motorcycles Arena, Beaumont Park with Speedway of Nations winner Dan Bewley and captain Brady Kurtz making up a powerful top two, along with fellow heat-leader Jaimon Lidsey who scored double figures on his previous visit.
The Aces have had issues at reserve with Tate Zischke suffering serious injuries on his debut and Connor Bailey standing down as Rising Star, and just as in their home win over Oxford on Monday they track Finnish racer Antti Vuolas and Jake Mulford as guests in those positions.
Lions boss Stewart Dickson said: “We’ve had scores of 54, 53 and 53 in our last three home matches, so we are now beginning to ride round here in the way that we should be.
“That puts in good stead for the aggregate points which will be up for grabs in the away legs, and of course we have the chance for one of them on Thursday.
“It’s too early to say we’re on a roll, we’re not getting carried away, but there is more confidence now and that’s something that plays such a big part in speedway.
“We are six points down from the away leg against Belle Vue so we have a chance for a win and an aggregate point - but we have to take them seriously, they are another strong side who will expect to be in the play-offs.”
The club will also be staging their annual collection for the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund during Thursday’s meeting. Supporters are asked to give as generously as their circumstances allow for this most worthy cause.
A reminder that all children will once again be admitted FREE of charge as part of the club’s summer holiday promotion.
For those unable to attend, the meeting will be live streamed by Lions TV with passes available from: https://www.leicesterlionstv.com/ .
LEICESTER: Max Fricke, Richard Lawson, Sam Masters, Luke Becker, Ryan Douglas, Craig Cook, Sam Hagon.
BELLE VUE: Brady Kurtz, Norick Blodorn, Jaimon Lidsey, Ben Cook, Dan Bewley, Antti Vuolas, Jake Mulford.
