PREVIEW: SHEFFIELD v IPSWICH (ROWE MOTOR OIL PREM)

IPSWICH defend their 100 per cent record in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership when they visit second-placed Sheffield in a heavyweight clash at Owlerton tonight (Thursday).

The Witches already have league wins at Oxford, Birmingham and Leicester to their name, but the Tigers have won all four of their home matches so far with a minimum points total of 57 – a mark they have hit on the last three occasions.

Both sides are at full strength with Ipswich making changes to their riding order as Emil Sayfutdinov moves to No.3 and partners Danny King, whilst Tom Brennan is at No.5.

Sheffield heat-leader Chris Holder said: “We know they did us at our place last year, and it’s one of those meetings that always seems to have a lot riding on it.

“We’ve disposed of every team quite comfortably that’s come to take us on so far though, including Belle Vue and that’s the one that has been a big deal for the confidence.

“We know that if we score what we can from 1-7, then we should beat every team that comes to us and that’s how we’re going into these home meetings in particular this year.”

Ipswich boss Ritchie Hawkins said: “It is a really tough test going to Sheffield, but it is great to be back together as a team.

“We have had a lot of big battles with Sheffield in recent years, and it looks like it could be similar this season with the way the two teams have started the season.

“I’m sure it will be a great battle on Thursday, we got over the hoodoo of not winning there for a long time last season, and we know how to win there and what is required.”

SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Anders Rowe, Josh Pickering, Justin Sedgmen, Chris Holder, Lewis Kerr, Leon Flint.
IPSWICH: Jason Doyle, Adam Ellis, Emil Sayfutdinov, Danny King, Tom Brennan, Dan Thompson, Jordan Jenkins.

SCB Referee: Chris Gay