Speedway: Edinburgh Monarchs want touch of Franc magic

Franc is guesting for the injured Kalle Katajisto and has a lot to live up to bearing in mind how potent a scorer the Finn has been so far this season.

Monarchs director Mike Hunter said: "We think Josef is a good choice of guest and we are hoping he'll do as well as he did last week."

Monarchs are entering a crucial phase of the season and, with the possibility of a league and cup double, will be treating all their remaining visitors to Armadale with the utmost of respect. It would be easy to think that Rye House will be pushovers given they have already lost twice at home to Monarchs this year but Hunter dismisses any such notion.

He said: "We are not going to fall into that trap, we are always very cautious. Everyone knows what can happen in speedway, all you need is some bad luck and you are in trouble, we are not assuming anything.

"Rye House are a very good team and have won twice at Somerset. In fact, only their results against us have been bad."

However, following their splendid 56-34 KO Cup quarter-final win at King's Lynn in midweek, Monarchs are riding high and Hunter added: "We have got quite a lot of momentum going, but it's one match at a time for us, we are not getting carried away."

Monarchs have dropped reserve Cal McDade and replaced him with Arlo Bugeja as it's felt Bugeja's extra experience will be more beneficial to the side, who face a raft of vital league fixtures in August.

The Rockets also beefed up their team this week with Plymouth Devils teenager Paul Starke replacing Lee Strudwick.

The battle for the championship is now a two-horse race between Monarchs and Newcastle Diamonds. Monarchs have more away fixtures and it's on the road that the destiny of the crown will be determined.

Monarchs co-promoter John Campbell says: "We have riders who believe they can win anywhere.

"Crucially, we also have guys who are capable of scoring points irrespective of whether track conditions are heavy or dusty.

"The team is full of confidence and it is going to be an interesting few weeks coming up."

Monarchs have been missing Kevin Wolbert due to overseas commitments in recent weeks, and, although he will be absent for the home clash with Berwick Bandits on 8 August, he will be available for the club's remaining league meetings.

Meanwhile, Monarchs will meet Rye House, Scunthorpe, and Somerset in Group 2 in next month's Premier League Fours competition. Group 1 comprises Newcastle, Birmingham, Sheffield, and Berwick.

"We are not going to fall into that trap, we are always very cautious"