Edinburgh are off on their first southern tour this weekend. They go to Stoke on Saturday, Newport on Sunday, and Reading on Monday.
These matches probably represent the best chances Edinburgh have of securing away wins. Monarchs started with a win at Arena Essex but have suffered successive defeats at Glasgow, Berwick, Workington, and Newcastle. After these four losses, Edinburgh are running out of away matches on tracks where they have a realistic prospect of victory.
Monarchs' remaining away matches involve the another southern tour in August and the Yorkshire mini-tour in September. The second southern tour is tough with trips to Exeter, the Isle of Wight and Swindon, all big tracks. The Yorkshire tour to Hull and Sheffield is almost as daunting.
Monarchs have a very good record at Stoke. They have lost a couple of Cup qualifiers at Stoke in 1997 and 1998 but have won every Premier League match at Loomer Road since the Potters returned to senior speedway in 1997. Most Edinburgh riders ride the Loomer Road track well, although the surface can be rather inconsistent if the stock cars ahve been running. With the Potters again rather vulnerable at home, Monarchs will certainly target this one for a win.
Newport is rather different. Edinburgh won there in 1997 but have suffered some heavy defeats in 1998 and 1999. It is a short track although not one many of the team like riding. The surface has proved to be inconsistent and has a number of holes and ruts. Newport have a much weaker team than of late and are certainly beatable if Monarchs can overcome ride to full potential. Newport have been near to unbeatable at home in 1999 but have looked suspect this year, drawing twice and losing once.
Reading is another track that Edinburgh ride well. They have won there in 1996 and 1998 and gone close other times. The Racers are probably more impressive on the road and have lost three times at home and drawn once. This is another match that Monarchs could get a result if everyone hits form.
The team's riding order will change after the home match against Newcastle for the tour. Will Beveridge will drop to reserve and Blair Scott move back up the order, probably back to number 2.