PREVIEW: SWINDON ROBINS v LEICESTER LIONS

THE SWINDON ROBINS look set to finally get the tapes up on their 2018 British Premiership speedway season after rain delays have scuppered the sides opening meetings. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker previews Thursday’s opening clash against the Leicester Lions and gives his thoughts on the potential outcome.

Almost six months separate the Swindon Robins last Premiership meeting, lifting the title away at Wolverhampton in the second leg of the Grand Final, and now tasked with the visit of a new-look Leicester Lions side at the Abbey Stadium tomorrow evening, Alun Rossiter’s side face a difficult curtain raiser to the start of the season.

In past visits to Swindon, the Leicester Lions have been a side that many would expect the Robins to beat quite comfortably. However after some strong winter signings, including the acquisition of Grand Prix star Martin Vaculik, the Midlands outfit finally have all the hallmarks of a dangerous potentially title-winning side with strength throughout the spine of the team. 

Vaculik will lead the side this season and it will be interesting to see how the Slovakian born rider will adapt to racing for his first time in British speedway, although it will be the squads strength in depth that the Robins will be wary of. Hans Andersen, Danny King, and Josh Bates are all capable of scoring well and Swindon will need to get some early heat advantages to distance themselves from Leicester.

However whilst Leicester pose a threat and will undoubtedly look to get their season off to a winning start against the current reigning champions, the Swindon Robins will be determined to show the league that they are serious contenders to retain their title this season. 

Nick Morris will make his league debut in the side as the clubs full-time Captain and it will be important for him to get off to a good start. Troy Batchelor and Tobiasz Musielak will provide back up from the other heat leader positions and will fancy themselves to score points against their opposite numbers. Adam Ellis and David Bellego will plug the gaps within the main body of the side, and it will be a big test for the reserve duo of Zach Wajtknecht and Mitchell Davey who must prove any remaining doubters wrong.

A difficult opening start to the season awaits the Swindon Robins on Thursday evening as a Leicester side full of change target an away win at the Abbey Stadium, but with the reigning champions back on their home track, a win for the Robins would come as no surprise. 

Outcome: Swindon win! Just.