Welcome back, and tonight I've decided to put controversial topics on the back burner and look ahead to what will be an exciting climax to the Play-Offs in all 3 leagues. I plan to cover all 3 leagues throughout the coming week before I make my trips to Oxford and Cardiff.
I will start in the Premiership, and I make no excuses for starting with my beloved King's Lynn and their performance at home to current Champions and table toppers, Belle Vue. This was our Cup Final in essence, a night to be remembered for a long time. The local hero returned, promising to put smiles on the faces of fans and by God that is what he did.
A scintillating display which included Robert Lambert stalking and passing Dan Bewley in Heat 6, followed by a winning Heat 15 ride. Stone last out of the start, he blasted round Bewley, followed up by diving under Brady Kurtz to take the win for both himself and King's Lynn. You wouldn't believe we were bottom of the league, but instead fighting for the Play-Offs, but this is what happens when you have been deprived of that winning feeling for the majority of the season. You cannot forget the influence and performances of Simon Lambert and Anders Rowe though. Both scoring 13+1 from 7 rides each was a major catalyst for this victory.
But anyway, back to the Premiership Play-Off race, and a quick look at the 12 remaining fixtures - 6 of which will hopefully be finished before the end of August. Here is a link to help you on your way: https://britishspeedway.co.uk/2023-premiership-table-fixtures-results/
We begin at Leicester this evening with a massive fixture against Sheffield. Leicester appear to be in freefall at the moment after a winning streak of 8 matches earlier in the season. Sheffield won't be happy after losing both match and bonus point at Peterborough last time, and with Woffinden, Douglas and former Lion Kyle Howarth leading the charge, I fancy Sheffield to take all 3 points.
Bank Holiday Monday sees an early start at Belle Vue as they take on Leicester. Belle Vue off the back of defeat at King's Lynn, and Leicester packed full of ex-Belle Vue riders, I see a Belle Vue win, but Leicester to sneak a BP, already leading by 14.
Wolverhampton host Sheffield, and I sense the home team will be looking to improve on recent home performances, where they have appeared to struggle. With this being the first leg of the B fixture, I'm going home win.
King's Lynn travel to Leicester, buoyed by their first victory since June. However injuries will play a big part, and with a lack of replacements for what appears 3 riders, Leicester will be dominant and take all 3 points.
Thursday's racing sees King's Lynn on their travels again, this time to Sheffield, but with a wider range of guests to choose from. I don't think this will change much, and just like all season, Sheffield will put in a dominant performance to take all 3 points.
At the same time, Peterborough will be hosting Wolves and this will be much tighter. Peterborough hit top form against Sheffield and look a far better outfit than the team who lost by 22 only 4 weeks ago. I'm putting my neck on the line, and Peterborough take the win and the 3 points, leaving Wolves empty-handed.
Monday 4th September also sees a full schedule, and hopefully not many Cardiff hangovers, as the race for the top 4 really hots up. Wolverhampton face Leicester, and again, another fascinating and crucial meeting for both teams. Wolves took the win at Leicester, and I don't see much difference here, with Wolves hitting some form at the right time to take the points.
Peterborough against Sheffield again after the 53-37 home win previously, and Peterborough could be coming into this meeting after 2 wins on the bounce. With Tarasenko and Wojdylo at reserve, I see another Peterborough win. Sheffield only lead by 6, and although I think they keep it tighter, I still believe Peterborough will take all 3 points.
Finally, King's Lynn take on Ipswich in a local derby. King's Lynn may have their tails up looking for a final home victory of the season, but again, I sense injuries and lack of suitable guests will play their part here. Sayfutdinov, Doyle, King and Riss will all go well round Lynn, and I have them to win and take all 3 points.
The last meaningful fixtures will take place on Thursday 7th September, and they are big fixtures again. Peterborough will take on Leicester, a grudge match for many reasons. Peterborough could be flying by this point, and I take them to win the meeting, but the BP is far out of reach and Leicester will take this crucial point.
The final fixture will be Sheffield versus Wolves. Sheffield will win this comfortably in my opinion. The bonus point, I think, will also go the way of Sheffield, but very narrowly.
So where does this leave us in the race for the top 4? I have the following;
1. Belle Vue 43
2. Sheffield 38
3. Wolves 38
4. Leicester 34
5. Ipswich 34
Look how tight it could be!! I have Sheffield to pip Wolves by points difference to take 2nd. Ipswich will succumb to the same fate and just miss out on the Play-Offs, and in my opinion, deprive us of the best top 2 partnership of the league in the Play-Offs.
I'm ready to be shot down but its looking like Belle Vue vs Leicester and Sheffield vs Wolves in the Semi Finals, and maybe a repeat of the 2022 final. We shall know for certain in the next 2 weeks, but its looking like a tremendous climax to the 2023 season.
Please leave me your feedback, I hope you enjoy the read. And remember - enjoy your speedway wherever you may be, and keep attending your local track as your support is vital to these clubs.
Finally, if you see a middle-aged man with a topknot at Oxford or Cardiff, come and say hello! I love meeting new people and talking speedway.
Nathan
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