Newcastle Diamonds have suffered a major blow with the loss of the ultimate Armadale specialist Jesper Olsen from this week's Premier League Cup Match First Leg.
Paradoxically, this was due to an injury suffered by former Newcastle rider Nicki Pedersen. Jesper Olsen has been called up to fill Nicki's place in the Danish Championship.
The Diamonds have other problems with Derrol Keats suffering a twisted knee on Monday and Anthony Barlow doubtful with shingles.
Newcastle will have 10 points plus available to recruit a guest for Olsen although it will be difficult to get anyone who rides Armadale as well as the Dane. If Keats fails to recover, Newcastle will use rider replacement while Darren Smith will be expected to come in for Barlow.
Good news for Monarchs is that British Final reserve, James Grieves, is likely to be available for the second leg on Sunday. Unless someone pulls out of the British Final by Friday, James will not be expected to travel to Coventry.
Monarchs will still need to be on top form to beat Newcastle who have by far the best record of any team visiting Armadale over the past three years. Great performances by James Grieves (first) and Kevin Little (fourth) in the Newcastle 70th Anniversary meeting this Monday, have boosted Monarchs confidence for the away leg.