OXFORD boss Peter Schroeck believes his side can “click” as they return to action for the first time in over a fortnight.
The Spires host King’s Lynn in a crucial ROWE Motor Oil Premiership clash in Cowley on Thursday, live on BSN.
The Stars and Oxford are currently tied on six points in the league table, and whoever wins the meeting will occupy fifth place, one place short of the play-off qualification places.
It’s a big week ahead for Charles Wright as he moves up to No.1 in Spires’ line-up.
Spires are at full strength while Stars bring in Kyle Howarth for the injured Ben Cook.
Jody Scott, the skipper of the Oxford Chargers, makes his debut for King’s Lynn as their Rising Star in place of Luke Harrison.
Harrison was only kept in Stars’ line-up for a single meeting on Monday, after he was brought in at the expense of Ashton Boughen.
Schroeck says: “The break for the Spires has given us a chance to have a reset before we get going with the rest of the season.
“I still believe that we have a good team if everyone clicks on the same night. We just need to find some consistency, starting against King’s Lynn.
“Our next three meetings with the Spires are at home and we need to start getting into the habit of winning our home meetings.
“With Charles moving to No.1, we have changed the riding order. Charles and Maciej rode well together for much of last season and this was an opportunity to put them back together.
“It’s going to be quite a week for Charles, since he rides in both the British Grand Prix rounds in Manchester on Friday and Saturday. He has been one of the positives for Spires this season – he’s been our most consistent rider. Charles puts everything into his riding and I hope he enjoys his weekend and shows what he can do against the best in the world.”
BetGoodwin Oxford Spires: Charles Wright, Maciej Janowski (C), Craig Cook, Rohan Tungate, Erik Riss, Peter Kildemand, Luke Killeen (RS).
King’s Lynn PSH Environmental Stars: Richard Lawson, Kyle Howarth (G), Nicolai Klindt (C), Niels-Kristian Iversen, Chris Harris, Jan Kvech, Jody Scott (RS).
Stream live from 7pm here
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.