IPSWICH boss Ritchie Hawkins admits it could not be tougher to face Leicester without their top two.
The Witches take on the Lions at Foxhall tonight, live on BSN.
The Suffolk side have confirmed their play-off place ahead of three home matches in eight days, but top spot is not secure especially with Emil Sayfutdinov ruled out at this stage in addition to long-term absentee Jason Doyle.
They bring in Scott Nicholls to guest for Sayfutdinov with rider replacement in operation for Doye as they face a Lions side who are unbeaten in seven matches and are closing in on securing a top four finish. Drew Kemp once again replaces Craig Cook at reserve for the visitors.
Ipswich manager Ritchie Hawkins said: “It could not be a tougher ask being without the top two riders in the league. We bring in Scotty again and he has been tremendous around Foxhall this year and I am delighted we can call upon him.
“All of our remaining team members are in good form and are doing well at Foxhall, and we still should be a strong team at home.
“We go into the meeting needing everyone to perform, but we have done that all season and we will do that on Thursday as we fight for another victory.”
Lions boss Stewart Dickson said: “The riders are getting really involved now, which is what happens at this stage of the season.
“On Monday night I’d never seen as many people wanting to get hold of my programme and check the score, and that’s what you get when it comes to the business end.
“We’re all in it together and the momentum is with us, but we’re still going to have to graft for every single point that we can get. We’re not going to get everything our own way.”
IPSWICH: Jason Doyle R/R, Adam Ellis, Scott Nicholls (G), Dan Thompson, Danny King, Keynan Rew, Jordan Jenkins.
LEICESTER: Max Fricke, Richard Lawson, Sam Masters, Luke Becker, Ryan Douglas, Drew Kemp (G), Sam Hagon.
Stream live here
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.