PREVIEW: LEICESTER v BIRMINGHAM (PREM KOC)

LEICESTER head into the second leg of their KO Cup quarter-final against Birmingham tonight (Thursday) with a place in the last four to face holders Sheffield within their grasp.

The Lions were hugely impressive in winning 57-33 at Perry Barr on Monday leaving the Brummies in need of a massive upset to turn the tie around.

Home manager Stewart Dickson believes his opponents will put in an improved performance at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park, but he’s looking forward to seeing his team race on their own track for the first time this season.

Dickson said: “I do believe Birmingham will be much better on Thursday night, I suspect they may well score more points, and there will be no complacency from us.

“They did have some issues on Monday but we were certainly the better side regardless, and now the second leg will be a good outing on our own track.

“It’s the first home match of the season and we’re all looking forward to seeing the supporters. We’re not exactly a new-look team but it’s been a long winter, the weather forecast is good and I’m sure people are going to want to see us on track at home.”

Brummies CEO Nigel Tolley said: “I just hope the supporters keep faith with us because things are going to change in the next few weeks and we will start to come up with the results, you can be sure of that.

“On Thursday, I just have a feeling that Leicester may be a little bit complacent and will be expecting to walk away with it.

“And whilst I’m not saying we’ll catch up the amount we lost by at home, I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be a lot closer than a lot of people will be expecting.”

LEICESTER: Max Fricke, Luke Becker, Ryan Douglas, Kyle Howarth, Sam Masters, Drew Kemp, Sam Hagon.
BIRMINGHAM: Tobiasz Musielak, Jonas Jeppesen, Michael Jepsen Jensen, Keynan Rew, Matej Zagar, Antti Vuolas, Jason Edwards.

SCB Referee: Wayne Jarvis

*LIVE STREAMING: https://www.leicesterlionstv.com/