Leicester Lions have all their big hitters in action tonight as they aim to take the shine off Newcastle Diamonds.
The north-east club are riding on the crest of a wave having just made it through to the League Cup final after completing an aggregate win over Sheffield last weekend.
Newcastle are the only team unbeaten at home this season in the Premier League and, although they were held to a draw by Ipswich recently, the Diamonds are well placed with matches in hand over the leading group of clubs.
It will be a huge challenge for the Harry Jordan Haulage-sponsored Lions, who have lost their last three outings.
But, on this occasion, they can at least call on a full-strength line-up at the Jordan Road Surfacing Stadium.
Lasse Bjerre returns after recovering from an injury picked up playing football, while Magnus Karlsson, who has been struggling with shoulder trouble, is also set to ride.
Reserve Alex Edberg is out though, having suffered a broken collar-bone and hand after crashing in Sweden on Thursday. Former Lion Simon Nielsen steps in.
Co-promoter Alan Jones knows it will be a big challenge. "Apart from Newcastle, everyone has lost at least one home fixture and we have to count on not losing another," he said.
"A win tonight is a must because I cannot see any of the top six dropping further points at home and we have to be on our very best form to succeed.
"When you take a look at their team statistics, the one fact that jumps out at you is that five of their riders have increased their race points' average from the figures they started with at the beginning of the season."
Still fresh in the memory is the Lions' last home meeting, when they were beaten 47-46 by Somerset despite holding a 12-point lead at one stage. It was their first home league defeat since August 2011.
"The longer our home Premier League unbeaten record went on the more our expectations grew but I think we all knew deep down that good things always come to an end," said Jones.
"We have to forget about the result and, starting tonight, push on to seal a win to consolidate our position as play-off candidates."
The Lions have another big day ahead of them at Peterborough tomorrow when they aim to go one step further in the Premier League Fours' competition.
The Lions have twice finished runners-up and this year are in Group B alongside Somerset, Edinburgh and Newcastle.
The two highest-scoring teams progress to the final where they meet the winners and second-placed teams of Group A.
Jones said: "While our group on paper looks to be the strongest, there is every chance we can reach a third final," added Jones.
Lions will field of Karlsson, Bjerre, Kevin Doolan and Kauko Nieminen.
