Edinburgh Monarchs v Sheffield Tigers

PREVIEW Friday 25th April 2014, 12:00pm

by Gordon Fraser

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Having shown a complete mastery of the teams in the northern section of the League Cup, the Scotwaste Monarchs face a new challenge with the Premier League visit this Friday of the Sheffield Tigers who have clawed their way to the top of their own section.

It will be odd not seeing Neil Machin in charge, but a new promotion, a new set of riders and a new team manager in Joe Screen will perhaps bring a change in fortune for the Tigers who had slipped from the high standards they set in the days of Sean Wilson.

They have brought back the popular Sheffield-born star, Simon Stead to lead and captain the team.. Now 32 after a decade in the Elite League since starring at big track clubs, Peterborough, Sheffield and Workington, Simon will always be remembered for his part in Peter Carr's magical simultaneous pass of Stead and Stonehewer.

Facing him at No.1 of course is Craig Cook, the rider who dazzled the crowd last Friday with stunning overtakes in both Heats 13 and 15 to settle the result against a lively Glasgow side and send his fans home feeling they had witnessed something very special.

Aaron Fox also had the fans holding their breath as they willed him to a welcome haul of points as he began to show his real racing instint. Facing him this week is 23-year-old Danish rider, Simon Nielsen who first appeared as a Workington Comet in 2011 but suffered a broken thigh in 2012.

There are two opposite ends of the spectrum at No.3 this week where 18-year-old Max Fricke faces the hugely experienced Leigh Lanham, now aged 36 and best known for a decade with Arena Essex but who has also had more than his fair share of serious injuries over the years.

Derek Sneddon has been putting in some excellent performances at No.4 but this week he could really have a tiger on his tail with Taylor Poole, a 21-year-old from Sydney who burst on to the Premier League scene in 2010 with Stoke but who Failed to get a team place in 2013 after breaking his arm the previous year.

Sam Masters has still to match his fantastic away form in front of his home fans but it's surely only a matter of time. His opposite number is Barrrow boy, Adam Roynon, now 25 and still to fulfil his undoubted potential which has been held back by a frightening catalogue of serious injuries.

Justin Sedgmen has enjoyed huge success at reserve but will soon have to swop riding positions with Aaron Fox. This week he faces the most illustrious reserve in the Premier League, former PLRC and Scottish Open Champion, Andre Compton who has come out of retirement on an average way below his class.

At No. 7, Monarchs must have the busiest and most in demand rider in UK speedway, Steve Worrall who has begun 2014 as a points machine. His lively opposite number is the new U-21 Champion, 17-year-old Josh Bates who is in his first full Premier League season and is a Swindon draft pick.

Away wins at Scunthorpe and Redcar have made people sit up and take notice of this new-look Sheffield side who certainly can't be taken for granted. However they also suffered a huge defeat at Newcastle, so the jury is still out. This Friday will be a good benchmark.

The suspicion about Sheffield sides is that they do best on big tracks, so they will need every ounce of their confidence if they are to come away with the league points from the Scotwaste Arena. Monarchs will be looking to extend their unbeaten run and start their PL campaign with a bang.

I know I seem to say this every week, but there are no easy matches and this will be another tough one. If Monarchs get on top early on, they could win at a canter, but if they don't, there;s enough talent on the opposite side of the pits to make life very uncomfortable. Another match not to be missed. Tapes up at 7.30.

Likely line-ups:

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

SHEFFIELD WINDOW CENTRE TIGERS: Simon Stead (capt.), Simon Nielsen, Leigh Lanham, Taylor Poole, Adam Roynon, Andre Compton, Josh Bates.