IPSWICH boss Ritchie Hawkins is “relishing the challenge” of facing defending league champions Sheffield.
The Witches saw their ROWE Motor Oil Premiership unbeaten record in 2024 ended at Belle Vue on Monday but they are set to return to full strength for the clash with the Tigers tonight, having been without both Jason Doyle and Danny King at the National Speedway Stadium.
Meanwhile the Tigers also track their regular line-up having won their last two matches, including a narrow victory at Leicester last time they were on the road.
Hawkins said: “We have started the season very well, certainly at home and we are looking forward to Thursday, I know the boys are well up for it.
“We will relish the challenge of facing Sheffield and everything that they bring and I’m sure it will be a cracking meeting in front of a big crowd.
“Both teams have been tipped by many to be there at the end of the season, but it is a long year. It is another tough early test and I’m sure Sheffield will be looking to do a lot better than their recent visits to our place.”
Sheffield manager Simon Stead said: “I think there are plenty of positives that all of the lads can take from recent meetings.
“Everyone’s getting into their groove now and it was great to see Dan (Gilkes) finish off three unbeaten against King’s Lynn as well.
“We know Ipswich is a tough place to go to and we know they’ve put together another strong side this year once again – but our boys are feeling good about themselves and I’m interested to see what they can go and do in this current mood.”
IPSWICH: Emil Sayfutdinov, Jordan Jenkins, Danny King, Adam Ellis, Jason Doyle, Keynan Rew, Dan Thompson.
SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Kyle Howarth, Chris Holder, Josh Pickering, Tai Woffinden, Jason Edwards, Dan Gilkes.
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.