Edinburgh Monarchs v Glasgow Tigers

Glasgow's new promoters haven't had their troubles to seek this year, so they're coming to Armadale on Friday (7.30) with high hopes of ending their season on a high, defending a huge 23-point lead from the first leg and taking the Scottish Cup back westwards again.

There was an odd look to the sides in the Ashfield match and the return is much the same with Glasgow looking to benefit from the use of three guests and rider replacement, having gained a paid 30 points from three different guests last time.

As for Monarchs, they only tracked four of their normal line-up in the first leg, but in the absence of Craig Cook (again) they only need one guest this time if you don't count Liam Carr filling in at reserve for the injured Mitchell Davey.

So at No.1 this week it's Ipswich v Sheffield with the hugely impressive Morten Risager leading the team in blue and gold (quite a treat for the fans) and the hard-charging Ricky Wells spearheading the red and white striped Tigers.

Normal service is resumed at No.2 where it's Australia v Denmark where the Monarchs fans' favourite, Max Fricke will hope to continue his excellent first season progress against a returned Tiger and man of many clubs, Henning Bager.

Claus Vissing continues in his new position at No.3 where he faces the Armadale faithful's favourite pantomime villain, James Grieves who will be captaining the Tigers in his last-ever derby match and will be hugely missed in the future.

The Hungarian hotshot, Joszef Tabaka seems to be back on a roll at No.4 with a mixture of notable heat wins and numerous fine examples of team riding when required. The other side of his pit will be empty as Tigers use R/R.

Continuing the overseas theme, it's Netherlands v Denmark at No.5. No Monarchs rider has put in more effort this year than Theo Pipjer. This week he faces Scunthorpe's young Thomas Jorgensen, standing in for the absent Dakota North.

Liam Carr has made a big impression on the Edinburgh fans due to his never-say-die attitude, and he faces a former Monarch in Workington's Ashley Morris who fills in for Glasgow's Joey Ringwood who scored well in the first leg.

Edinburgh's wholehearted captain Derek Sneddon could again be a trump card at No.7 and can expect a busy night. In opposition, Glasgow track one of their regular septet, the ambitious young rider from Ipswich, Joe Jacobs.

So there we have it, Glasgow with only half of their regular team and Monarchs without the rider who has stamped his mark on the entire Premier League season. But whatever, it's an east v west battle that neither set of fans wants to lose.

Monarchs should still be expected to make the most of home advantage, but after having given so much pleasure to so many over the years, who would grudge James Grieves getting his hands on the trophy (but only on aggregate).

Likely line-ups:

SCOTWASTE MONARCHS: Morten Risager (guest), Max Fricke, Claus Vissing, Jozsef Tabaka, Theo Pijper, Liam Carr, Derek Sneddon (capt).

GLASGOW TIGERS: Ricky Wells (guest), Henning Bager, James Grieves (capt.), rider replacement for Anders Thomsen, Thomas Jorgensen, Ashley Morris, Joe Jacobs