Speedway – Pickering back, Palovaara debut but Ruddick out

Josh Pickering (pictured) returns after injury and Edinbnurgh Monarchs give a debut to Victor Palovaara when they host Redcar Bears at Armadale on Friday (7.30pm).

Luke Ruddick is sidelined following a series of recent crashes and Connor Coles deputises.
Bears are at full strength their first match in the SGB Championship this season.

Monarchs are desperate to improve on their league record of one win and one defeat so far.
Last year Edinburgh crushed Bears, scoring 69 against them at Armadale and 57 away.

And star men for the visitors are ex-Monarchs rider Charles Wright and battling Danish racer Michael Palm Toft.

Meanwhile, Glasgow Tigers entertain Somerset Rebels (tapes-up 7.30pm) and former Tigers star Chris Harris top scored with 16 points from six rides (four wins) in Rebels’ 48-42 defeat at home to league pace-setters Leicester Lions on Wednesday.

He will be a threat and Somerset fans hope former Monarchs star Rory Schlein can recapture his best form. He scored six points against Lions.