IPSWICH boss Ritchie Hawkins expects a “tough test” to defend their unbeaten start to the season.
The Witches host Oxford in a big top-of-the-table clash in the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership at Foxhall tonight (Thursday).
The Suffolk side won the reverse fixture list week and will go ahead of the Spires if they can add another home victory, which would also include the aggregate point.
But they will face two riders with extensive track knowledge as former Ipswich rider Erik Riss makes his debut for Oxford having joined the club as a replacement for Nicolai Klindt.
And with Lewis Kerr on the sidelines with a broken ankle, the Spires have called in Scott Nicholls to guest at No.2.
Ipswich manager Ritchie Hawkins said: “The start to the season has been as good as we could have hoped for, and I think a lot of that is down to the continuity we have got in the side from last season.
“I’m sure everyone is excited to welcome Oxford back; it has been a long time since we have seen them race at Ipswich and the bring a very solid side full of riders that know Foxhall well again. I think it is going to be a really tough test.
“Last Thursday at Oxford was really tight throughout and I’m sure it will be the same on Thursday and they will be coming to turn us over like we did at their place, and they are capable of doing that.”
IPSWICH: Emil Sayfutdinov, Jordan Jenkins, Danny King, Adam Ellis, Jason Doyle, Keynan Rew, Dan Thompson.
OXFORD: Maciej Janowski, Scott Nicholls, Charles Wright, Rohan Tungate, Chris Harris, Erik Riss, Ashton Boughen.
Stream HERE
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.