Following the rain-off on Sunday at Ashfield, Monarchs have another attempt on Friday to stage the first leg of the Scottish Cup at Armadale. All being well the return will take place on Sunday afternoon at Ashfield.
The Scottish Cup was first contested in 1951, at which time there were four Scottish clubs, and the final resulted in an Edinburgh win over Glasgow. The records now stand at Edinburgh 13 victories, Glasgow 9 victories, and none of the other sides who have taken part (Ashfield, Motherwell, Paisley and Berwick) have ever landed the trophy. Glasgow's last victory in the competition was in 1995.
Edinburgh v Glasgow is speedway's longest running derby, stretching back to 1948, through 209 previous head-to-head matches. Monarchs lead the series 104-98 with 7 draws.
Glasgow should never be underestimated since in Les Collins and James Grieves they have two effective Armadale performers. Mark Courtney was something a of a disappointment on his Armadale but will certainly improve and the track should suit his style. Aidan Collins is a steady rider at Armadale. If the inconsistent but talented Rusty Harrison and Emiliano Sanchez hit form Glasgow could make a match of it. Glasgow will have junior Robert McNeil riding at number 7 in place of Scott Courtney.
Monarchs will be confident of victory and will be looking to get the team in top form for the Young Shield due to start a week on Friday. In particular Ross Brady, after a miserable season, will be looking to recover the form he showed with a 15-point maximum in the corresponding fixture last year.
TEAMS FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH AT ARMADALE on Friday 29th September (start time 7.30 pm, gates open 6.30 pm) are:
EDINBURGH FORTH AM MONARCHS: Robert Eriksson, Blair Scott, Peter Carr (capt.), Ross Brady, Kevin Little, Christian Henry, Will Beveridge.
ALLIED GLASGOW TIGERS: Les Collins, Aidan Collins, James Grieves, Emiliano Sanchez, Mark Courtney, Rusty Harrison, Robert McNeil.
Monarchs had the edge when the match at Ashfield was abandoned and will be hoping to win win at Ashfield for the first time this season. Edinburgh took a 45-45 draw in the Spring Trophy and then lost both Premier National Trophy and Premier League matches by a single point: 45-44 and 47-46.
As ever with Monarchs away, the key will be finding someone, be it Kevin Little, Ross Brady, or Blair Scott, to score points to assist Peter Carr and Robert Eriksson.
Live updates of the scores of both matches will appear on Armadale live.