LEICESTER are 15 races away from securing major top-flight silverware for the first time in their history – but there is still a big job to do in a huge meeting against King’s Lynn on Thursday (7.30pm).
The Watling JCB Lions and the Stars fought out a 45-45 draw in the first leg of the Premiership KO Cup Final in Norfolk, meaning it comes down to a straight fight at the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park with both teams chasing 46 points on the night.
Lions have the comfort of a strong recent home record behind them, having won their previous six matches on their own track.
And their aggregate record against the Stars is also encouraging as since their return to the top league in 2023, Lions have won all five available bonus points against King’s Lynn, including in a Super Heat at the back end of last season after the teams drew 90-90 home and away.
But despite the fact that Leicester have enjoyed two comfortable home wins over the Stars so far in 2025, there are plenty of warning signs that the visitors will pose a threat.
They were depleted on their previous visit but ex-Lions Richard Lawson and Chris Harris still put on a great show, and the Stars have the likes of Jan Kvech and key reserve Nicolai Klindt back after missing that meeting.
King’s Lynn’s performance in their 45-45 draw at Ipswich to get through the semi-final is further indication of what they can do when their backs are against the wall.
Leicester go into the meeting with an unchanged side as Tom Brennan continues as a guest for the injured Luke Becker, whilst King’s Lynn have booked seven-times British Champion and former Lions skipper Scott Nicholls – who is recently back from long term injury – to replace Ben Cook in a further intriguing move.
Leicester manager Stewart Dickson said: “Whilst we are halfway there as the first aim on Monday was to come away from King’s Lynn with the tie still alive, the job is not done by any means.
“I’m very mindful that King’s Lynn still have Nicolai Klindt at reserve, and he’s likely to have seven rides again given the form he’s on at the moment.
“There might also be a couple of our riders who will find it tough to better their scores from Monday, so it’s essential that we have a full team performance with points from other areas and all seven riders contributing.
“I’d urge the Leicester supporters to come out in huge numbers, and I’m sure they will for such a big occasion.
“Both teams had great backing on Monday night, and I’m sure that will be the case again on Thursday.
“This is one of the biggest nights our club has had, especially in the top league, and let’s see if we can get it over the line and make a bit of history.”
Supporters are reminded that normal admission prices apply, and season tickets are not valid for this meeting.
LEICESTER: Max Fricke, Tom Brennan, Ryan Douglas, Kyle Howarth, Sam Masters, Drew Kemp, Joe Thompson.
KING’S LYNN: Niels-Kristian Iversen, Richard Lawson, Chris Harris, Scott Nicholls, Jan Kvech, Nicolai Klindt, Luke Harrison.
