szkocjasid

I think the RS is the most important position in the team, the difference between Dan T & Joe T / Gilkes is massive. Last year it was more equal I feel.

Similar to Sheffield, Leicester needs all their top 5 performing. If they do, looks a fab team.

Can see Glasgow winning this one. Think Monarchs will struggle at reserve.

Terrible team managing imo to give Kerr the r/r outing in heat 5. What if Klindt comes good? Now one of Oxford's top 4 doesn't get an extra ride. No harm in using Klindt, if he turns out to be terrible, then Kerr can always replace him once or twice later on! There's no risk of getting it wrong using Klindt, there is using Kerr, especially odd as Kerr lost a 5-1 in heat 2, I'd understand it (but disagree with it) if Kerr had won his first heat.

Think I'm gonna be looking mighty smart by the end of the night lol!

Sheffield could still win the league with reserves struggling away, just need to hit big scores at home, which is always possible. I don't think they are favourites, but they can win it.

In the Prem, RS can't be replaced, but reserve could replace number 2 (but no tac sub). In the Champ, no tac sub in heat 8, but number 6 could replace 2 or 7.

I agree with ragdoll, think Berwick will be very good at home this year. But that's the point of a forum, differing views.

Tough to call, Birmingham could get a 6 point win & the bonus, but I also wouldn't be surprised with an Oxford victory.

A few comments, especially on the updates, saying Sheffield's reserves need to get going or they are going to put pressure on the top 5 etc. But that is how the team was built, for the baulk of the scoring to come from the top 5. As Edwards has a sub 5 Champ average, no more can be expected of him (ideally should be a RS) but Gilkes should be doing better. Did he make a mistake by not racing in the Champ this year? I think many were mesmerised by the star power of Sheffield's top end & overlooked their weakness at reserve. All to play for in the second leg. If Bewley had ridden like we all know he can, Aces would already have one foot in the next round.

I can't agree with Berwick being that low. Think a lot of predictions placing Redcar high were before Jorgensen got injured. There was a great many people placing Edinburgh, Workington & Plymouth in the bottom 3, so if that's accurate, it's 6 clubs fighting for the remaining 3 play-offs spots. Poole being certainties for me.

Since the Speedway Star didn't do predictions like it used to, I added up these predictions to get an average. Like the speedway star used to do giving 1st = 9 pts & so on till 1 pt for 9th. 1st Poole (7.3) 2nd Redcar (6.8) 3rd Oxford (6.15) 4th Glasgow (6.11) 5th Scunthorpe (6.0) 6th Berwick (4.7) 7th Workington (3.3) 8th Edinburgh (3.1) 9th Plymouth (1.6)

Bored, so I added up the predictions to get an average. Like the speedway star used to do giving 1st = 7 pts & so on till 1 pt for 7th. 1st Ipswich (6.2) 2nd Sheffield (5.3) 3rd Leicester (4.5) 4th Oxford (4.1) 5th Belle Vue (3.6) 6th King's Lynn (3.2) 7th Birmingham (1.0)

Could always replace him with Nicholls if he's struggling

Not really, it's a quirk of the averages that places Nicholls at reserve, normally a potential double figure scorer wouldn't be down there. The fact he's dropped down while riding superbly for the Brummies, should be a team managers dream.

I don't think Workington have any worries over their top 5, sure Batchelor & Cook will have their off days, but so did the leagues top averaged rider Sam Masters at Poole. It's at reserve where I see the Comets struggling. Hopefully they'll be able to win the majority of their home matches, but don't see many bonus points coming their way.

Gotta agree with these replies, Sam & Freddie are both 6+ NL riders, so no reason why Sam shouldn't be able to beat Freddie. If you think Celina wasn't going to challenge Freddie, then I'd question the wisdom of signing a 4.00 foreigner who isn't expected to beat a 2.00 Brit.

The season preview speedway star, has always been my favourite. But I miss they days when promoters (later fans) would give their predictions of the finishing order. Don't know why they stopped that? Too many people not willing to join in? What's the harm of you get it wrong, it's supposed to be a bit of fun.

If I was Birmingham, I'd beg Nicholls to stay, even if it's only for another match or two till the TV schedule starts.

The "rising star" can't be replaced in heat 8, but the number 2 can - by the other reserve, not a tac sub. No tac subs in the KOC anyway.

I'm sure Poole will get the bonus point, but if Oxford win at Plymouth & Poole don't, then Oxford won the group. Might not happen, just pointing out group isn't over yet.

With his knowledge of the track could be Dan T getting one or two extra rides, not Rew. Ipswich are in a good situation with reserve options.

Signing a temp to replacement for an injured rider is what every club should strive to do, means less guests, not sure how that isn't "getting its act together". As for Nicholls guesting for Doyle, this happens every week, nothing unusual about that.

You make a good point. It's a similar situation to riding in the wet, clubs don't want poor crowds, so call meetings off. Therefore riders don't get much experience riding in the rain, but once we get to play-off / KOC finals in October, there's no option but to get on with it. So riders have to race in the rain, but have never experienced these conditions before.

Best chance Birmingham will have of getting a win. Just need to make sure Nicholls gets 6/7 rides.