Table-topping Monarchs Academy need to win their final two home matches of the season in the National Development League (NDL) on Friday at Armadale.
They track against their biggest rivals, Leicester Lion Cubs, and Buxton Bulls in a double-header which has the earlier than usual start time of 7pm to ensure the 30 heats are completed.
Academy go in to the matches unbeaten so far, with away matches at Oxford and Leicester lying ahead on dates to be announced.
The Lion Cubs, the most successful team in the NDL in recent years, have just the one defeat away to Oxford on their record. So the importance of the first match is obvious.
The visitors bring in experienced Alfie Bowtell in place of Freddy Hodder who will be racing for his Championship team, Glasgow Tigers, on Friday.
They also use rider replacement for youngster Ryan Ingram who will be racing against Hodder at Scunthorpe.
Oxford rider Ashton Vale guests for the unavailable James Shanes in the Academy line-up.
Scott Wilson, who manages the Academy outfit, said: “What a night we have in store.
“Not only a double-header for fans to enjoy, but the first clash of the two remaining title contenders in this season’s WSRA National Development League.
“We know a tough challenge lies in store when we take on Leicester in the first meeting, but the team are confident, particularly on their home track, that they can beat anyone.
“Whilst as big a victory as possible would be nice when it comes to considering the aggregate bonus point, the first task is to simply win the meeting and continue our 100 per cent record.
“Buxton have enough good riders in their team to cause us difficulty, particularly with the team having already ridden a full meeting, so I will be making sure the team are as focused for the Buxton meeting as I know they will be for Leicester.
“It is absolutely crucial we take two wins and therefore five points as a victory over Buxton would bring with it a bonus point following our away win earlier in the season.”
Friday’s matches will be Live Streamed on www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk.
ROSS COMMERCIAL FINANCE MONARCHS ACADEMY: Jordy Loftus, Ben Whalley, Ashton Vale (guest), Vinnie Foord, Dayle Wood (captain), Anika Loftus, Jamie Halder.
LEICESTER WATLING JCB LION CUBS: Alfie Bowtell (guest), Tom Spencer, Max Perry, Rider replacement for Ryan Ingram, Ben Morley (captain), Eli Meadows, Seth Norman.
BUXTON DUCTAIR BULLS: Alfie Bowtell (captain), Arran Butcher, Rider replacement for Luke Harris, Charlie Southwick (guest), Jack Roberts, Laylen Richardson (guest), Jack Shimelt.
MANAGER: Scott Wilson in the pits area at Armadale. Picture Nigel Duncan
