PREVIEW: OXFORD v NEWCASTLE (Champ)

OXFORD return to Championship action after a three-week break when they face Newcastle at Cowley tonight (Wednesday).

The Cheetahs’ last meeting was a win at Birmingham to cancel out a home defeat to the Brummies 24 hours earlier, and they track a full side with Josh Macdonald back from injury.

Newcastle are without three of their top five with Lewis Kerr and Alfie Bowtell guesting for Bradley Wilson-Dean and Matthew Wethers, whilst rider replacement is in operation for the sidelined Paul Starke.

Oxford co-boss Peter Schroeck said: “We’re not quite where we wanted to be in the table, but that’s testament to the competitive nature of Championship speedway.

“Our results against Birmingham prove just because you beat a team on the road does not guarantee you success at home.

“We need to be aware of this when Newcastle visit tonight. They will be disappointed with where they are in the table and determined to prove a point. 

“We require a solid run of results between now and the middle of August if we’re to challenge for a play-off spot, so the hard work begins tonight. We’ve got the advantage of racing more meetings at home between now and the end of the season, but that counts for little unless everyone is firing on all cylinders.”