PREVIEW: IPSWICH v SHEFFIELD (Prem)

IPSWICH bid to extend their lead at the top of the Premiership when they host third-placed Sheffield at Foxhall tonight (Thursday).

The Witches are currently two points clear, but the Tigers could also end the night at the summit – if they can repeat the result they enjoyed at the Suffolk venue in May when they won 47-43.

Both sides are forced into changes with Ipswich bringing in Tom Brennan to guest for Ben Barker, who aggravated a shoulder injury on Tuesday, whilst rider replacement is in operation for Paul Starke.

Sheffield also operate rider replacement as Tobiasz Musielak is ruled out following a heavy crash in Poland last weekend.

Witches boss Ritchie Hawkins said: “Sheffield bring a very strong side, but we have got a strong side as well. Yes, they are a very good team, but I don’t think there is anyone in the league that we can’t compete with and beat. I fully believe if we perform how we are capable of then we can win.

“We were hoping that Starkey would be back, and it would have delighted us all if we could have fielded a full team, but we certainly don’t want to rush him back especially when we have got a break after Thursday as a team.”

Tigers manager Simon Stead said: “Ipswich certainly seem to be riding their place better than the last time we were there in May so we know it won’t be easy, even more so without Tobi.

“It’s going to need our other six Sheffield riders to all step up and chip in – and as always we’ll go there and give it our best shot.”

IPSWICH: Jason Doyle, Paul Starke R/R, Danny King, Tom Brennan, Troy Batchelor, Erik Riss, Danyon Hume.
SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Kyle Howarth, Adam Ellis, Craig Cook, Tobiasz Musielak R/R, Justin Sedgmen, Connor Mountain.