SHEFFIELD boss Simon Stead admits he wants a big lead against Ipswich in the Premiership KO Cup final.
The Tigers take on the Witches in a mouthwatering first leg clash at Owlerton tonight, live on BSN.
The Suffolk side have a fearsome top duo of Emil Sayfutdinov and Jason Doyle but Stead is happy with the balance of his side.
He said: “It may be an old cliché, but we want to take as big a lead as possible as we can there and build on our improvements at home of late.
“We’ve had some really, really strong performances at home over the past month or so and we’ve got a bit more balance around our team now so hopefully we can carry that on now that it matters most.
“We’re the holders of the top-flight’s cup competition and we desperately want to retain it.”
Max Fricke stands in for Sheffield as a guest for the injured Tai Woffinden, whilst Kyle Newman gets another call-up at reserve with Claus Vissing ruled out with a knee problem.
Meanwhile Ipswich bring back Joe Thompson to guest for his brother Dan in the Rising Star berth.
Ipswich manager Ritchie Hawkins said: “We have done very well to get into the Final, we have ridden very well, and we are in great form.
“We have got to go there looking to win the meeting. At the moment, the way we are riding, we are going very well away from home, and I don’t see why we should go into any meeting not looking to win it.
“We are excited to be in the Final and have the opportunity to win the Cup and that is what we are focused on. That is what you race all season for, to get into these meetings, that is why you race and what you want.”
SHEFFIELD: Max Fricke, Kyle Howarth, Chris Holder, Josh Pickering, Tobiasz Musielak, Kyle Newman, Jason Edwards.
IPSWICH: Emil Sayfutdinov, Erik Riss, Danny King, Danyon Hume, Jason Doyle, Keynan Rew, Joe Thompson.
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.