LEICESTER head to Sheffield in a top-of-the table Championship clash at Owlerton on Sunday (5.30pm).
The Watling JCB Lions remain five points clear despite the frustration of Saturday’s home match against Edinburgh falling victim to the weather.
And it is the Tigers who are currently the Lions’ nearest rivals, with maximum points at home and a couple of narrow away defeats adding to their total.
But Leicester will be encouraged by the fact that Sheffield have required a host of last-heat deciders to protect their home record in recent weeks.
The Yorkshire side defeated Berwick 46-44 and Scunthorpe 45-44, as well as being held to a 45-45 draw by Glasgow in the KO Cup.
And the Lions can also take confidence from their own 47-43 win in the Steel City en route to the Championship Shield semi-finals in April.
Josh Bates was top-scorer on that occasion with 14 points, but the former Tigers man remains on the sidelines after his crash at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena a fortnight ago.
In his place, Lions have recruited the in-form Cameron Heeps, who recently guested in Sheffield colours against Berwick and scored 11 points from four rides.
The Tigers have made one change since the Easter clashes between the clubs in the Shield, with Kasper Andersen being replaced by Australian newcomer Josh MacDonald, who made his debut in their 44-46 defeat at Birmingham on Wednesday.
Supporters are reminded of the new start-time for meetings at Owlerton, with the action now getting underway at 5.30pm.
And as part of a reciprocal arrangement between the clubs, Leicester season ticket holders and LSSC members will receive a £5 discount on admission, with proof of status at the stadium entrance.
SHEFFIELD: Danny King, Drew Kemp, Ty Proctor, Broc Nicol, Kyle Howarth, Zaine Kennedy, Josh MacDonald.
LEICESTER: Scott Nicholls, Ellis Perks, Cameron Heeps, Ryan Douglas, Richie Worrall, Jack Thomas, Connor Mountain.
