PREVIEW: BIRMINGHAM v REDCAR (Cab Direct Champ)

BIRMINGHAM bid to make progress in the play-off race when they host Redcar in the Cab Direct Championship tonight (Wednesday).

The Brummies bring in Josh Pickering to guest for the suspended Nick Morris at No.1, whilst a positional switch due to August averages sees Paul Starke drop to reserve with Alfie Bowtell moving up.

Luke Harrison continues to stand in for the injured Jake Mulford for the Bears as they look to consolidate their place in the top six.

Birmingham manager Stewart Dickson said: “Redcar are a good side definitely; they’ve got three strong heat-leaders and I like the way the team is built.

“I do think our three heat-leaders on Wednesday can certainly match theirs but it’s important that in the other areas we make sure we are scoring points.

“That won’t be easy though because they’ve got a couple of second string riders who are hitting a bit of form and who like the Birmingham track.

“But we know this is an important meeting and we know the importance of getting off to a good start and maintaining that throughout.”

Bears star Connor Bailey said: “We all like the Birmingham track, we beat the Brummies already this season but they do now have a different looking side. However, I have a quiet confidence heading into tonight!

“It would be nice to win away from home again, every team wants to win away. We came close at Berwick but just fell short after a slow start but we have already won at Birmingham this season.”

BIRMINGHAM: Josh Pickering, Stefan Nielsen, Troy Batchelor, Alfie Bowtell, Justin Sedgmen, Sam Hagon, Paul Starke.
REDCAR: Charles Wright, Danyon Hume, Connor Bailey, Erik Riss, Danny King, Jason Edwards, Luke Harrison.

*LIVE STREAMING: https://www.brummies.tv/