LEICESTER host fellow play-off qualifiers Belle Vue in a top-of-the-table clash at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park on Monday (7.30pm).
The Watling JCB Lions secured a top four finish with their home win against King’s Lynn last Thursday, and the build-up to the play-offs now begins with the match against the Aces.
Mathematically the Lions could still pip the Manchester side to finishing top, but that would require a wild swing of results and points scoring over the next fortnight.
More realistically the target is to confirm second place which would ensure the Lions can have choice of order of legs in the play-off semi-finals.
Their biggest rivals for second are Sheffield, who also have three matches remaining including a tricky trip to Ipswich on Monday. The Tigers are three points behind the Lions and could once again provide the opposition in the semis.
Monday’s team news sees the Lions bring in Jordan Jenkins to guest at reserve, and they are otherwise unchanged.
Belle Vue track a full strength line-up including World title contender Brady Kurtz and fellow World Cup winner Jason Doyle, whilst German Champion Norick Blodorn was a key figure on their last visit when the Lions came from 12-points down to win a dramatic last heat decider.
Manager Stewart Dickson said: “It’s beginning to look like it could be Sheffield in the play-offs, but we’ll worry about that nearer the time.
“At the moment we want to build up as many points as we can and keep the momentum going, and we’re pretty dialled in at home.
“Hopefully that will continue on Monday but I expect a big test against what has been the best team in the league so far this season.
“They ran us very close at home last time and we will need to be at our best again. We really want to maintain an unbeaten home record through the league season.”
Following Monday’s meeting, the Lions race away at King’s Lynn on Thursday before their last regular league match against Ipswich on Monday September 14.
For supporters unable to be at the Hydroscand Arena on the next two Mondays, Lions TV will be streaming both fixtures, available from: https://www.leicesterlionstv.com/ .
The club would like to thank everyone who contributed to last week’s Benevolent Fund collection, when an excellent total of £1,552.86 was raised.
LEICESTER: Ryan Douglas, Drew Kemp, Sam Masters, Dan Thompson, Nick Morris, Jordan Jenkins, Joe Thompson.
BELLE VUE: Brady Kurtz, Norick Blodorn, Peter Kildemand, Zach Cook, Jason Doyle, Tate Zischke, Will Cairns.
