PREVIEW: BIRMINGHAM v POOLE (Champ)

CHAMPIONSHIP leaders Poole head to Birmingham tonight (Wednesday) looking to extend their advantage at the top.

The Pirates are five points clear at the top as they battle with Redcar and Glasgow to secure automatic qualification for the play-off semi-finals.

The operate rider replacement for Benjamin Basso, who is racing in the Danish league play-off semi-finals, whilst the Brummies are at full-strength after losing at Wimborne Road and Kent over the weekend.

Poole co-promoter Danny Ford said: “When you get corresponding fixtures so close together, it can be the case that a side you have just beaten might be a bit more determined to try and even things up – but equally, we will be just as keen to record a swift double over them.

“We have established ourselves in a strong position just now at the top of the table and that is where we wanted to be and is where we want to stay.

“The best way to achieve that is to keep on winning and a victory will be our goal on Wednesday night, that’s for sure.”

BIRMINGHAM: Chris Harris, Valentin Grobauer, James Shanes, Ashley Morris, Erik Riss, Paco Castagna, Jack Thomas.
POOLE: Rory Schlein, Benjamin Basso r/r, Steve Worrall, Stefan Nielsen, Danny King, Ben Cook, Danyon Hume.