847084

Chris Harris guests in both legs. Not a euphemism.

No definitive news on Freddie's condition. He is expecting more information on Sunday.

The draw wasn't made, or announced, until August 11. The priority over the last six weeks has been completing the league fixtures. The Cup is of minor importance to everyone, and I imagine its' continuation beyond 2017 will be up for discussion. In other news, Wolves will operate RR for Lindgren with Lasse Bjerre and Scott Nicholls both guesting. Thorsell rides. Reserves to be announced.......

Great idea. We could have both meetings in one. Heat 1 of the play off followed by Heat 1 of the cup. Endless permutations of fun.

They are running this wednesday, in the cup. I think at this stage of the season, getting meetings staged has priority over which team has first and second leg. The week after next is scheduled for both legs of the final.

Some context to this, on Friday Wolves are scheduled to be at Somerset for the 2nd leg of the Cup SF. Lindgren and Thorsell will be at GP practice. Schlein, Greaves, Masters and Riss will be at Edinburgh for the Play off SF. Let's hope Kyle Howarth turns up!

In which case the second leg becomes the first and the second leg on the wednesday?

The Wolves site has just posted a news item with Freddie interview about the two semi finals coming up. Date given for the away leg at Somerset is still the 22nd.

Play offs determine the third promotion place from the Championship to the Premier League and have done for years. You can finish sixth and still get promoted over the team that finishes third. I wouldn't argue against those who say (in speedway) that it is unfair on the team that ends up on top, but the season has a genuine climax now and I would keep the current system, warts and all.

The Wolves site now has these fixtures sandwiched between the two semi final legs with Belle Vue. Wednesday the 20th at Monmore with the return at the OTA on Friday the 22nd.

The Wolves preview appeared later than the Lions so perhaps that is the correct line up.

Sam Masters returns for Wolves, Fricke still missing for the Aces.

I would if I could find out how!

Driving from Poole to WV1 on a Bank Holiday afternoon with a 6pm deadline is not something I would care to do. Let's hope, for the Aces sake, they have a trouble free and speedy meeting at Wimborne Road.

Sam Masters returns for Wolves, Fricke still missing for the Aces.

Swindon do meet Wolves home and away before the play offs. However, as someone has already stated, things change. It was this day in 2009 that Swindon narrowly lost 47-43 at Monmore. Some Robins fans saw this as a result that could be replicated or even improved upon two months later. Yet, a comparison between the two fixtures reveals the very slim margins and differences that can bring about quite different outcomes. In the 47-43 meeting Wolves had 11 heat winners, Lindgren and Woffinden actually both scored full maximums (15 and 12.) Swindon kept it close by filling second and thirds, Wolves ran 7 last places. In the play off final, Wolves went one better and had 12 heat winners, however this time they only ran four lasts. The scores of Klindt and Skornicki improved and the team scored seven more points than in August. This meant a 16 point lead, not a four point win. Little changes bring very different outcomes. The fixture coming up at Swindon will bear no relation to any possible play off fixture as according to other fixtures Wolves will be without Schlein, Howarth and Greaves, as well presumably, as Masters. If this is the case, I would suggest the meeting will be in the category of fixture fulfilment. In any case, there are other teams involved that could quite easily have a big say and. provide this season's eventual winners. I wish all teams well for the conclusion to 2017. After last night' s events at King's Lynn, I do hope that whichever teams contest the final, both have seven riders for the duration of both meetings.

I was looking forward to the imaginative approach the BSPA would take to a Leicester v Ipswich or Sheffield promotion/ relegation tie. Who would Danny King, Kyle Newman, Lasse Bjerre or Josh Bates ride for?

Don't worry, it will make a contrast to Swindon away the night before on the 31st. No Schlein, Greaves or Howarth. Or Masters presumably.

Disappointing call. The forecast is certainly much improved today.

The BBC forecast this morning is more promising, so unless things take a turn for the worse, I will make the trip today.

King's Lynn and Somerset later in the week should be more legitimate targets to pick up points. I am particularly looking forward to revisiting the OTA, a very fine speedway track.

Jacob is riding in Poland in a league meeting.

Wasn't CVs quoted earlier this year as saying (I am paraphrasing) there isn't much point in signing riders as assets any more as they will ride where they want these days.

Kyle released from hospital early this morning. Grade 2 concussion, one week without riding. Good news.

Lahti has gone well around Monmore in the past. Not sure he can replace the 16 points Klindt scored at the beginning of the season, albeit from reserve. Hans Andersen is capable of a couple of good heat wins but is unlikely to put five such rides together. Will Wolves be top again on Monday night?