PREVIEW: BELLE VUE v SHEFFIELD (ROWE MOTOR OIL PREM)
BELLE Vue and Sheffield are set for a Bank Holiday War of the Roses double as the fierce rivals meet twice in one day today (Monday).
The action gets underway at the National Speedway Stadium, scene of a Tigers victory on their previous visit in May, at midday, prior to the return fixture at Owlerton at 7.30pm.
Both sides have already confirmed their places in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership, with Sheffield top of the table on 38 points and Belle Vue one of three teams on 34.
The Aces name a full-strength side whilst the Tigers have Tom Brennnan guesting for Tai Woffinden in the lunchtime meeting in Manchester, and Joe Thompson guests for Dan Gilkes at reserve in both.
Belle Vue boss Mark Lemon said: “I want to see some real grit from the boys on Monday. They have been a dominant force on home shale all season long but I need them to really step things up.
“The play-offs are a unique point in any season. It feels like everyone raises their game and while we won’t show all our cards at once, I want to give the champions something to think about.
“We know we have the capabilities to really push them at Owlerton as well, and we’ve seen many other examples across the league of teams picking up points on the road.”
Sheffield manager Simon Stead said: “There was certainly a buzz around the camp after the win at Ipswich on Monday and hopefully we are able to put that to maximum effect heading to Belle Vue.
“We want to finish as high up that league table as we possibly can and there’s not many points at all separating the top four with just a few regular meetings to go each.
“You know what I always say, even more so in these big derby meetings, the volume our supporters make and the atmosphere they help create can play such a big part.”
BELLE VUE: Dan Bewley, Norick Blodorn, Jaimon Lidsey, Ben Cook, Brady Kurtz, Antti Vuolas, Jake Mulford.
SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Kyle Howarth, Chris Holder, Josh Pickering, Tom Brennan (Tai Woffinden R/R at Sheffield), Jason Edwards, Joe Thompson.
SCB Referee: Seth Perkin (at Belle Vue), Michael Breckon (at Sheffield)
