PREVIEW: OXFORD v BIRMINGHAM (Prem)
PREMIERSHIP newcomers Oxford and Birmingham clash at Cowley tonight (Thursday) in the opening fixture of the Premiership season.
The new Spires side enjoyed track time on their home circuit yesterday and will have Polish star Maciej Janowski leading off at No.1, with the ultra-experienced Chris Harris named as skipper.
The Brummies also have a UK returnee at No.1 as Vaclav Milik makes his debut, and the track experience of Scott Nicholls – signed after Piotr Pawlicki suffered pre-season injury – could be significant, whilst USA legend Sam Ermolenko makes his first appearance as manager.
Oxford boss Peter Schroeck said: “The boys have connected really well during the off-season and at press and practice. I’m a big believer that team spirit can get you a long way in speedway, so building a good atmosphere in the camp is key for me.
“We’re pleased to have so much experience in the squad – particularly among those who have raced here already and won silverware at previous events.
“Birmingham will be a tough test, as will every team in the Premiership. But we’re backing ourselves to get off to a positive start and our supporters – as ever – will play a huge role as our number eight.”
Ermolenko said: “I don’t think there’s any team in the league that’s got that strength in depth feel about it, especially down in the bottom half of our team.
“I think we can make the most of that and use it as one of our assets to upset a few people this year.
“If everyone does their job then we know we can get results in this league – and it would be a nice bonus if we could do that in our first meeting at Oxford on Thursday night.”
The meeting is the only Premiership fixture of the evening as the match between Leicester and Belle Vue has been postponed due to a poor forecast.
OXFORD: Maciej Janowski, Charles Wright, Nicolai Klindt, Chris Harris, Rohan Tungate, Lewis Kerr, Ashton Boughen.
BIRMINGHAM: Vaclav Milik, Tom Brennan, Wiktor Lampart, Steve Worrall, Scott Nicholls, Zach Cook, Leon Flint.
Referee: Matthew Wear
