Edinburgh Monarchs v Newcastle Diamonds

This Friday promises to see red hot speedway action come to the Scotwaste Arena when Edinburgh host the first leg of the Premier League Knockout Cup against Newcastle Diamonds, looking to build up a lead they can defend at Brough Park in just over a fortnight's time.

Once again, Monarchs are at full strength although both reserves may be feeling a bit 'second hand' after heavy falls last weekend. By contract, the Diamonds have been plagued by injuries which see them able to track only four of their first-choice riders plus two guests.

Up front, there should be a titanic battle between two of Great Britain's top riders, Craig Cook and Danny King. The Monarchs No.1 had problems on the Diamonds' last visit which meant Danny outscored him, so Craig will be out to even up the score.

Justin Sedgmen has been a rock at No.2 since moving up from reserve but Newcastle are forced yet again to use rider replacement for the injured Lewis Rose, meaning that most of the Diamonds riders should take more than four rides each.

Max Fricke is really starting to demonstrate consistency and he will be hoping to continue his great form against Stuart Robson at No.3 who crashed out on his recent visit and failed to score. You can bet he will be among the top scorers this time around.

Steve Worrall has been showing of late that he is fallible after all but now would be the ideal time to get back to top form, especially since Newcastle's potent No.4, Lewis Kerr is out injured, being replaced by Theo Pijper who still knows the quickest way around the 'Dale.

There's another critical match-up at No.5 where Edinburgh's sunny Australian, Sam Masters will face a serious challenger to his fantastic home form against Ludvig Lindgren, the speedy Swede who will certainly be aiming for a double figure score.

Aaron Fox has enjoyed a good introductory Premier League season and has shown flashes of his true potential, especially at home. It's likely that he will be paired against young Max Clegg who is guesting for the third injured Diamond, Chris Mills.

Derek Sneddon has been giving it his absolute all of late and was lucky not to be more seriously hurt after last week's spectacular crash. Monarchs will expect him to blunt the significant threat posed by Newcastle's second reserve, young Simon Nielsen from Denmark.

This is a fascinating contest because Newcastle came close to an upset on their previous visit only three weeks ago, but on that occasion Craig Cook and Steve Worrall recorded uncharacteristic low scores while Stuart Robson failed to score at all for the Diamonds.

Newcastle are also without their top scorer from the League match, Lewis Kerr who suffered a broken wrist last weekend and that may prove to be one injury too far for the Diamonds. Monarchs will expect to come out on top, especially with no T/R's available.

But it's all about the aggregate score. Monarchs have a great record at Newcastle but they've had off days there too, so they must be looking for a big lead to take south on 19th. Your vocal support will definitely make a difference, so make sure you don't miss this one! Tapes up at 7.30 sharp.

Likely line-ups:

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

NEWCASTLE SAPPHIRE DIAMONDS: Danny King, rider replacement for Lewis Rose, Stuart Robson, Theo Pijper (guest), Ludvig Lindgren, Simon Nielsen, Max Clegg (guest).