PREVIEW: SHEFFIELD v BELLE VUE (Prem)

SHEFFIELD look to take another step towards confirming a Premiership play-off place when they host Belle Vue in a Roses clash at Owlerton tonight (Thursday).

The previous clash between the sides in South Yorkshire this season went down to the wire with Jack Holder winning a last-heat decider to secure a narrow home victory.

The Tigers will be without reserve Stefan Nielsen after a heavy crash at Birmingham on Wednesday, whilst the Aces are looking to bounce back from double Bank Holiday defeat against Wolverhampton.

Sheffield boss Simon Stead said: “It’s a devastating blow to lose Stef because he’s done a great job for us and I was gutted when I heard about it last night.

“We’re working on a replacement for tonight but it was going to be a tough task against Belle Vue as it was, now it’s just got harder.”

Belle Vue manager Mark Lemon said: “Monday’s events, while disappointing, have no relevance in this meeting. Thursday is a new day for the boys, and we’ve already proved we have the potential to win at Owlerton.

“But the Tigers are strong on their home track and with the play-offs looming, they’ve got the bit between their teeth and will be looking to consolidate their top four spot.

“I want to see a much tougher, hungrier Belle Vue in this ‘War of the Roses’ second act.”

SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Troy Batchelor, Kyle Howarth, Josh Pickering, Adam Ellis, Danyon Hume, TBC.
BELLE VUE: Dan Bewley, Jye Etheridge, Steve Worrall, Charles Wright, Brady Kurtz, Tom Brennan, Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen.