OXFORD boss Peter Schroeck believes the “character” of his side will be a big factor against table toppers Ipswich.
The Spires host ROWE Motor Oil Premiership leaders Witches tonight, live on BSN.
The Spires name a full-strength side whilst the visitors have to make two changes due to Jason Doyle’s long-term injury whilst Danny King is expected to make his comeback at Redcar on Friday.
The Witches operate rider replacement at No.1 for Doyle and bring in Norick Blodorn, who impressed recently at Birmingham, to guest for King.
Oxford manager Peter Schroeck said: “Over the last few weeks, the Spires have shown a lot of character to win some very tight home meetings, and those victories have pulled us back into the play-off positions.
“Ipswich will be missing a couple of big hitters through injury, but we still have to treat them with respect, because they have still been getting the results and amassing the points at the top of the table.
“All we can do is concentrate on our own job and make sure we continue moving forwards.”
The Witches are the only visiting team to win at Cowley so far in 2024 and boss Ritchie Hawkins said: “We are expecting a really tough test, when you look at them on paper, they are a really good team.
“We won there earlier in the year, and we were very good that night, so we will need a similar performance from everybody.
“We will have rider replacement for Jason at one, so that means we can’t be carrying any passengers and Norick is coming in for Danny. After his performance at Birmingham, I’m sure everyone is delighted to see him in an Ipswich race jacket again and he will be very happy to come in and we look forward to having him.”
OXFORD: Rohan Tungate, Charles Wright, Lewis Kerr, Maciej Janowski, Chris Harris, Erik Riss, Ashton Boughen.
IPSWICH: Jason Doyle R/R, Dan Thompson, Adam Ellis, Norick Blodorn, Emil Sayfutdinov, Keynan Rew, Jordan Jenkins.
Stream live here
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.