PREVIEW: BELLE VUE v SHEFFIELD (ROWE MOTOR OIL PREM)
BELLE Vue and Sheffield clash in the latest instalment of speedway’s ‘War of the Roses’ at the National Speedway Stadium this lunchtime (Monday, midday).
The Tigers took the honours the last time the sides met with a close-fought KO Cup victory at Owlerton, but the Aces have again built a strong home record in the league and will take over at the top of the table with another win.
However, the hosts have suffered a blow with captain Brady Kurtz again ruled out after his crash in Sweden last week, and they operate rider replacement – whilst the Tigers welcome back Jack Holder and Dan Gilkes, and ex-Aces rider Tom Brennan is in as a guest for the injured Josh Pickering.
Aces CEO Mark Lemon said: “Our two clubs have always enjoyed a fierce but respectful rivalry and we’re looking forward to another great afternoon of racing against Sheffield.
“Although we were pipped to the post at Oxford, I feel the boys are starting to find some very good and consistent form which will be crucial on Monday against the reigning league champions.
“It would be very satisfying to make it two of two in Manchester against them, and though they are a man down I’m certain they will make us work just as hard for the points.”
Tigers boss Simon Stead said: “It’s going to be good to get a couple of the boys back and in Tom Brennan we’ve got a guest who’s been showing some good form of late who has also already done one of these afternoon meetings at Belle Vue with Birmingham.
“It’s always such a tough place to go to though, their guys are so dialled in there, but it’s a fixture I’m really looking forward to.
“We’re ready for it and it should be another great speedway meeting.”
BELLE VUE: Brady Kurtz R/R, Norick Blodorn, Jaimon Lidsey, Ben Cook, Dan Bewley, Connor Mountain, Connor Bailey.
SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Kyle Howarth, Chris Holder, Tom Brennan, Tai Woffinden, Jason Edwards, Dan Gilkes.
SCB Referee: Dave Watters
