Edinburgh Monarchs v Sheffield Tigers

PREVIEW Friday 9th August 2013, 12:00pm

by Gordon Fraser

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Sheffield Tigers bring a vastly changed team north in search of Premier League points in their first visit of the season to Armadale, incredibly being able to track only two of the seven riders that started out the season at Owlerton in April.

That's if they all come through unscathed against Glasgow on Thursday because a string of injuries continues to plague the Tigers. Most recently, Joe Haines has retired from speedway, Damien Koppe has knee ligament damage and Facundo Albin has a rib injury.

And in the absence of the injured Simon Stead, it was predictable that they would call on Andrew Tully as a guest replacement at No.1. In his last two visits, the former Monarch starred for Newcastle, then was eclipsed in the Scottish Open, so Craig Cook will be keen to come out on top in this third match-up.

Rider replacement at No.2 for the Tigers allows the under-performing Haines' rides to be taken by Wells, Compton, Branford and Albin. So Max Fricke's debut as Craig Cook's partner will be much more challenging than he was entitled to expect.

The Tigers' No.3, Ricky Wells has ridden for Wolverhampton and represented the USA this year already, and he got some valuable Scotwaste Arena practice in last week's Scottish Open, so he could prove to be a handful for Theo Pijper who is showing welcome signs of getting back to his Armadale best.

Jozsef Tabaka has to learn to ride at No.4 again after having perfected the art earlier in the season in his last promotion from reserve. He lines up opposite Andre Compton who was tempted out of retirement by Glasgow and has just returned to help out Sheffield where he enjoyed his best seasons.

Claus Vissing is still seeking a consistent run of races at Armadale and there is no doubt he will be put to the test by the new Sheffield captain, Adam Roynon who incredibly keeps coming back and giving 100% after a string of injuries which would long ago have broken the will of less committed riders.

Monarchs' captain Derek Sneddon should prove to be a valuable asset at reserve where he faces Sheffield's National League guest at No.6, Rob Branford who is currently racing at No.3 for Coventry Storm.

Finally at No.7, Mitchell Davey has another chance to convince fans and promotion that he has regained his confidence and his scoring touch after his unfortunate wrist injury. He faces Argentinian Facundo Albin who looked so spectacular in second half outings at Armadale last year.

It's always an eventful meeting when big track Sheffield face small track Monarchs and this one should be no exception. The difference this time is that this Sheffield side should be much more competitive than they might have been with their original line-up.

Monarchs must start favourites but they will have to get off to a good start and be at their best throughout all fifteen heats if they are to secure the three Premier League points that will keep them in the top three. Be there at 7.30 to help Monarchs ensure there are no more banana skins!

Likely line-ups:

SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Craig Cook, Max Fricke, Theo Pijper, Jozsef Tabaka, Claus Vissing, Derek Sneddon (capt.), Mitchell Davey.

SHEFFIELD WINDOW CENTRE TIGERS: Andrew Tully (guest), Rider replacement for Joe Haines, Ricky Wells, Andre Compton, Adam Roynon (capt.), Robert Branford (guest), Facundo Albin.

Full Result Details