PREVIEW: SCUNTHORPE v OXFORD (MAXICAB KO CUP)

SCUNTHORPE face a 20-point deficit heading into the second leg of their MAXiCab KO Cup quarter-final tie against Oxford tonight (Friday).

The Scorpions lost 55-35 at the BetGoodwin Oxford Stadium last month, which was their first meeting of the season.

They have a new riding order in place for the return as Declan and Zaine Kennedy both move into the main body of the team due to new averages, whilst Luke Harrison and skipper Simon Lambert are at reserve.

Francis Gusts makes his Cheetahs debut having come into the side as a 28-day replacement for the injured Dan Gilkes.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “The target will be 56 points to get us through to the semi-finals. Although it’s a big one, we know we are capable of hitting it, if we’re firing on all cylinders.

“Last season, we faced a similar deficit of 18 points against Berwick at the quarter-final stage and we made it through.

“Obviously, we need to get off to a good start, and if we do that, and we get the crowd get right behind us, then anything is possible.”

SCUNTHORPE: Steve Worrall, Declan Kennedy, Zaine Kennedy, Connor Mountain, Jake Allen, Luke Harrison, Simon Lambert.

OXFORD: Sam Masters, Jonas Knudsen, Cameron Heeps, Francis Gusts, Jordan Jenkins, Mitch McDiarmid, Luke Killeen.

SCB Referee: Simon Humphrey-Kennett

*LIVE STREAMING: https://tv.scunthorpe-speedway.com/