Speedway: Champions ready to test Stoke record

STOKE'S unbeaten home Premier League record could come under threat tonight when champions Edinburgh are the visitors to Loomer Road.

The Monarchs have maintained their red hot form of last season, and are on the verge of reaching the Premier Trophy final after winning at Scunthorpe last week.

Tom P Madsen, the Potters' in-form reserve, admitted: "They are always a competitive side no matter where they ride and it's going to be quite a hard-fought meeting."

Edinburgh were forced to release Derek Sneddon and William Lawson during the winter to enable them to retain the bulk of their title-winning side. Sean Stoddart and Poland's Michael Rajowski were drafted in as replacements.

Rajowski had a hit-and-miss 2008 season, but has looked a quality rider with Edinburgh and has moved up from reserve to the main body of the side.

However, Edinburgh have replaced Stoddart with Byron Bekker, a South African who started the season with Scunthorpe.

Potters promoter Dave Tattum added: "There is no doubt they are a quality side full of race-winners.

"Fisher and Tully double up in the Elite League with Swindon and Peterborough respectively, and even Aaron Summers at reserve is very quick.

"But our focus is on our own riders and how we deal with these big challenges."

The meeting starts at 7.30pm.

THE TEAMS

STOKE: J Bunyan, J Kristiansen, K Jakobsen, L Complin, P Morris, L Smart, T P Madsen.

EDINBURGH: R Fisher, M Rajowski, T H Jonasson, M Wethers, A Tully, A Summers, B Bekker.