KING’S Lynn have a great chance to affect the play-off race when they stage their final home fixture of the season with a crucial local derby against Ipswich on Monday (7.30pm).

The MacInnes Stars grabbed a sensational win over leaders Belle Vue in their last outing at the Adrian Flux Arena, and there’s a big incentive ahead of the clash in that a Stars win on Monday would all-but rule the Witches out of the top four.

Ipswich currently trail Leicester by one point, and whilst they are well-placed for the aggregate point against the Stars as they won the reverse fixture 51-39 last month, one point would be unlikely to be enough for them as the Lions visit Wolverhampton and Peterborough this week with an aggregate point almost in the bag against the Panthers.

The Witches were 50-40 winners at the AFA on their last visit on August 3 and will again look to their all-star top two of Emil Sayfutdinov and Jason Doyle, although on this occasion they will have Robert Lambert to contend with.

Although the Stars are still injury-hit with Nicolai Klindt and Thomas Jorgensen ruled out, the September averages do provide a boost in that Klindt is now placed second, meaning Lambert can take a rider replacement ride.

Emil Breum returns from injury whilst Connor Mountain again guests for Jorgensen having stood in for the Stars in several recent away matches – and if reserves Simon Lambert and Anders Rowe can repeat their heroics from the win over the Aces, another dramatic contest could be in store.

Stars owner Keith Chapman said: “Connor has helped us out at Belle Vue, Ipswich, Leicester and Sheffield recently which we really appreciate.

“It’s right that we also give him a home meeting and we will also book him at Peterborough when that meeting takes place.

“The Belle Vue match ten days ago was absolutely sensational and it was great to feel the atmosphere after Robert’s ride in Heat 15.

“This should be another big night and we know what Ipswich will be trying to do, so we’d be delighted to stop that of course. And with Robert facing the likes of Emil and Jason, that’s a great way to end the home season.”

The Witches have a positional switch with Danyon Hume now in the top five and Keynan Rew at reserve, whilst youngster Ashton Boughen guests for the injured Dan Thompson.

KING’S LYNN: Robert Lambert, Nicolai Klindt r/r, Emil Breum, Connor Mountain, Michael Palm Toft, Simon Lambert, Anders Rowe.
IPSWICH: Emil Sayfutdinov, Danyon Hume, Danny King, Erik Riss, Jason Doyle, Keynan Rew, Ashton Boughen.