PREVIEW: Grand Final spot on the line as Cheetahs visit Glasgow for Play-Off Group B finale

The Monarch Oxford Cheetahs can book their spot in the 2023 Cab Direct Championship Grand Final on Tuesday night when racing Play-Off Group B rivals Glasgow Tigers (7.30pm).

Cheetahs travel to the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium knowing either a win, a draw or defeat by nine points or less will secure a place in the two-legged final alongside Group A winners Poole Pirates.

It follows a strong run of results for Peter Schroeck’s side including two home triumphs over Glasgow and Redcar Bears in addition to a remarkable come-from-behind win against the Yorkshire club on the road.

Schroeck has been forced into making one change to Cheetahs’ line-up ahead of tapes-up.

British star Jordan Jenkins has been ruled out through injury following his spill at Sandy Lane last Sunday. Rider replacement will operate in his absence while Luke Killeen has been booked at number eight.

The Cheetahs boss was in positive spirits ahead of the crunch fixture and urged the club’s fanbase to get behind the squad in what he described as the biggest meeting of Oxford Speedway’s new era.

“This is a huge meeting for the club, and I know the outcome means a great deal to everyone,” said Schroeck. “Through the year we’ve always maintained that we’re in it to win it and that mentality is spread across the team which is great to see.

“Glasgow have come on really strong in the later stages of the campaign and from our visit there last month we know how capable they are at home.

“But equally we’ve got the firepower to do the job required and I have every faith in the team’s ability from one to eight to get the job done.

“We often reference the regeneration story associated with Oxford Speedway and the success of the club off-track. But now we’re solely focused on the efforts and outcomes on it and a place in the Grand Final would be a fantastic reward for everyone connected to the rebirth of this great club.

“We’re gutted to be travelling without Jordan, but there’s no doubt in mind we can still get the 41 points needed to guarantee our spot against Poole.”

Tapes-up at the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium is at 7.30pm.

Supporters unable to travel to Glasgow can follow the meeting either via the British Speedway Network who will be live streaming the meeting or following updates via @OxfordSpeedway across social media.

Glasgow Tigers: Chris Harris, Tom Brennan, Benjamin Basso, Claus Vissing R/R, Vadim Tarasenko, Lee Complin, Ace Pijper, Jack Smith (No8).

Monarch Cheetahs: Sam Masters, Jordan Jenkins R/R, Cameron Heeps, Lewis Kerr, Scott Nicholls, Henry Atkins, Ashton Boughen, Luke Killeen (No8).