BELLE VUE boss Mark Lemon is ready for another “mouthwatering encounter” with big rivals Sheffield.
The ATPI Aces face the Tigers in a vital ROWE Motor Oil Premiership clash at the National Speedway Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday at 12pm.
The title-chasing sides are both at full strength and Lemon is expecting a tense affair for the last regular home league tie of the season with the play-offs still to come.
He said: “There is nothing quite like a War of the Roses clash on a Bank Holiday Monday.
“We still have two big tests ahead of us before the play-offs. First up is always a mouthwatering encounter with Sheffield here in Manchester. Then it’s King’s Lynn on Thursday in our last away fixture.
“The Tigers have done well to rebuild their side twice this season after sadly losing Tai Woffinden through serious injury.
“It means a return of Nick Morris and former Ace Jye Etheridge to the NSS.
“They have proved to be a very solid side all season and have the most in-form Rising Star in the Premiership with Leon Flint.
“We’ve had some epic battles with the Tigers over the past few seasons and we could have yet another big clash in the play-offs. So this will certainly be another fascinating clash.”
The ATPI Aces have beaten the Tigers in the Grand Final of 2022 and in last year’s play-off semi-final on the way to a 14th league title.
Now the defence of the title is coming into sharp focus. Lemon added: “We need to step it up now. Every meeting is a cup final, every point is vital.
“It’s always an exciting and unmissable time of the season for the fans.
“The boys need to deliver some big performances. It’s going to be a huge month for the club.”
BELLE VUE: Brady Kurtz, Norick Blodorn, Jaimon Lidsey, Zach Cook, Dan Bewley, Tate Zischke, Jake Mulford.
SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Anders Rowe, Josh Pickering, Nick Morris, Chris Holder, Jye Etheridge, Leon Flint.