ALUN Rossiter says the luxury of being able to field a full-strength Swindon Robins side this evening is doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be able to trump Belle Vue Aces.
Injuries have blighted the Swindon Robins’ Elite League campaign in 2015, with guests bolstering their line-ups in every fixture since the season opener at home to Poole Pirates.
Skipper Troy Batchelor and Polish number one Adrian Miedzinksi both suffered injuries in that meeting, with the latter’s replacement, Denmark’s Peter Kildemand, also having been laid up.
Batchelor returned to Robins colours in last Thursday’s 53-40 success over Wolverhampton Wolves, while Kildemand will make his first appearance of the season tonight.
Although pleased to have his top two riders available again against Belle Vue, the team manager says there is a danger of the Robins being undercooked for the clash.
“We have a full side which has been a bit of a rarity this season,” said Rossiter.
“It’ll be tough, though, as Pete hasn’t done a lot of riding in recent weeks and is coming in a little bit cold and Batch is still not 100 per cent either.
“We know what Pete brings to the table and he’ll be riding fresh, so hopefully we can ride well.
“Batch had two wins and two last places last Thursday but he knows that he needs to score good points to for us.
“I’m sure there will be a lot more confidence in the camp now and hopefully we can all pull together to pick up some good results.”
The Robins head into this evening’s meeting in good form, having won back-to-back meetings and three in a row at the Abbey.
Belle Vue travel to Swindon with just two wins from eight Elite League fixtures, although they thrashed King’s Lynn Stars 52-38 last Monday before following it up with a 45-45 draw away at champions Poole Pirates.
With a trip to Coventry Bees to come on Friday before Monday’s return fixture at Belle Vue, Rossiter is keen for the Robins to make the most of their home advantage.
“It’s been mixed for Belle Vue so far but they are just coming into form now,” said Rossiter.
“They had a slow start but in the last couple of meetings they’ve found the form which everyone thought they would.”
“We will have to be on our toes as it will be a close one, nip and tuck right the way through.
“It will be nice if we can get a few more points on the board at home before we face two tough away meetings.”
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