PREVIEW: LEICESTER v SHEFFIELD (KO CUP S/F)

LEICESTER are the first KO Cup opponents of 2025 for holders Sheffield as the sides meet at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park tonight (Monday).

The Lions overcame Birmingham in the quarter-finals whilst the Tigers received a bye to the last four, with the tie set to be completed at Owlerton on Thursday.

Both sides are unchanged from recent league outings although a switch in riding order for the visitors sees Lewis Kerr moving into the top five whilst Justin Sedgmen is now at reserve, as they face a Lions side who slipped to a surprise home defeat to Birmingham last week.

Leicester manager Stewart Dickson said: “Facing Sheffield home and away in the Cup was always going to be tough enough without any need for a wake-up call, but that could be the case after last week.

“We don’t ever take anyone for granted and I don’t think that was the case against Birmingham, and we now need to make sure we bounce back.

“We have to draw a line under last Monday and move on. We are still a good team and we would love to reach the Cup Final, but we know we are going to need everyone doing their jobs because Sheffield are a very strong side.”

Sheffield captain Josh Pickering said: “We’re going to Leicester to get a good lead and to try and make life a bit easier for when we’re back at home on Thursday.

“If we don’t manage to get the win we’re after for whatever reason, then it’s all about keeping it as close as possible and then making sure we do our bit at Owlerton.

“But I’m quite confident we’ve got what it takes to beat Leicester over two legs and make it through to the Final again.”

LEICESTER: Max Fricke, Luke Becker, Ryan Douglas, Kyle Howarth, Sam Masters, Drew Kemp, Joe Thompson.
SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Anders Rowe, Josh Pickering, Lewis Kerr, Chris Holder, Justin Sedgmen, Leon Flint.

SCB Referee: Paul Carrington