Edinburgh Monarchs v Newcastle Diamonds

Tonight it’s the second Premier League visit of the season to the Scotwaste Arena by the Newcastle Diamonds who are back to full strength, having been effectively three riders down when they lost here in May.

It’s another clash of team GB riders at No.1 where Craig Cook, at present slightly below his exceptionally high standards, faces Danny King who got the nod over Craig for a place in the World Cup team.

There are two riders with almost identical averages at No. 2 where battling Justin Sedgmen lines up against Lewis Kerr from Norfolk who replaced Jason King as a Diamond in 2013.

At 3, rising star Max Fricke is outgunned in the averages by his opposite number Stuart Robson, the super stylist from Sunderland who had plenty of track time in last week’s Scottish Open.

The unassuming Stevie Worrall’s average is beginning to rise closer to his stunning 2014 form, so on paper he heads the Newcastle No.4, young King’s Lynn National League asset, Lewis Rose.

Sam Masters’ new found starting ability combined with a ruthlessly determined streak should serve him well against an equally matched Ludvig Lindgren at No.5 who has also ridden for Wolverhampton and Berwick.

Aaron Fox continues to impress at Armadale and this week he is equally well matched to Simon Nielsen at No.6 who was brought in when Sheffield dropped him in favour of Ben Wilson.

Captain fantastic Derek Sneddon is a very useful rider to have at No.7 and this week he lines up opposite Chris Mills who was snapped up by the Diamonds when he was released by Workington.

This fixture should be one of Edinburgh’s most testing of the season so far. They won by 57-38 in May but Newcastle will be considerably stronger at reserve this time with their two recent new signings.

Monarchs should just still have the edge if they can make the most of home track advantage, particularly in the early stages. After a little dip, they have also been showing recent signs of being in the mood to blast teams away.

The scores and the result should be close, with Newcastle hoping not to return to Tyneside without a single Premier League point to show for their efforts. This is definitely one match where your support could make the difference. Be there fgor tapes upo at 7.30 sharp.

Likely line ups:

EDINBURGH SCOTWASTE MONARCHS; Craig Cook, Justin Sedgmen, Max Fricke, Stevie Worrall, Sam Masters, Aaron Fox, Derek Sneddon (capt.)

NEWCASTLE SAPPHIRE ENGINEERING DIAMONDS: Danny King, Lewis Kerr, Stuart Robson (capt.), Lewis Rose, Ludvig Lindgren, Simon Nielsen, Chris Mills.