While Glasgow were frequent victors at Powderhall in the early 1990s, they have not fared well at Armadale. Glasgow did win the opening Challenge match at Armadale in 1997 but are still awaiting a second victory in West Lothian. The best they have managed is a draw in the Premier League Cup qualifier amid farcical condition in 1998. The track was waterlogged and an attempt to clear the drains cut the power supply and flag starts operated.
In all Glasgow have lost a large number of matches at Armadale over the past four and a half years. They lost Premier League matches in 1997, 1998, and 1999. They lost a Cup qualifier and a Young Shield match in 1997. They have lost Premier National Trophy qualifiers in 1999 and 2000. Finally they lost Spring Trophy matches in 1998 and 2000 and Scottish Cup matches in 1997 and 1999. That adds up to eleven defeats, one draw and one win.
Despite this dismal record, Edinburgh would be very foolish to treat Glasgow lightly. Not only is the team having a decent run but they have a side well equipped to do well at Armadale. Monarchs have seen off Workington Sheffield and Newcastle in the Premier League at Armadale this year. They have also beaten Arena Essex and Reading who tend to ride Armadale well. Glasgow appears to be the the biggest threat to Monarchs unbeaten Premier League home record.
James Grieves, Les Collins and Emiliano Sanchez have shown they can ride Armadale in the past. Aidan Collins has also proved to be a steady point scorer. Armadale debutants Mark Courtney and Rusty Harrison remain unknown quantities.
Edinburgh appear likely to be at full strength with Kevin Little 'virtually certain' to recover from the injury sustained at Workington in the Cup. Kevin added:
"I'm working normally now, I have physiotherapy on Thursday and unless there's a setback I will be ready."
Glasgow also have a doubt over James Grieves who was injured at Armadale last week during the Scottish Open. He appeared to have broken a shoulder blade, however it was found to be an old injury. He is understandably keen to ride if possible. James commented to the Edinburgh Evening News on Wednesday:
"According to the hospital the fracture is actually an old one, the result of my crash in the British semi-final at Sheffield earlier in the season. But after taking medical advice I've been told it's okay to ride with a fracture. However I will make a final decision tomorrow morning."
Monarchs only require a win by two points to take the bonus point. A three point win would push Edinburgh back up to joint top of the table behind Exeter and Sheffield on points difference. However Exeter are also in action at Arena Essex and are likely to move ahead by taking the bonus point. Glasgow also have the opportunity to go top of the table if they can come up with a win.
Monarchs have every reason to feel confident with Peter Carr currently near unbeatable at home and Robert Eriksson showing a return to form last week. Monarchs reserves are developing a habit of taking a 5-1 in heat 2 and Blair Scott is going very well at home. If either Kevin Little or Ross Brady can hit anything like peak form, Edinburgh will have too much firepower for Glasgow. However, if the team ride like they did at home to Workington two weeks back then it is likely to be touch and go. Glasgow may not have the power of the Workington top four but do have a much better bottom three.
A win against Glasgow will be just what Monarchs need before embarking on their second southern tour with daunting trips to Exeter on Monday, Isle of Wight on Tuesday and Swindon on Wednesday.
There will also be a six-heat Northern Development League match between the Dale Devils and the Tiger Cubs time and waether permitting.
Friday's match is sponsored by Keyline Building Materials of Broxburn.