Stoke at Sheffield, tonight.

SHEFFIELD PIRTEK TIGERS aim to continue their push for a top three Premier League place when they face Stoke at Owlerton on Thursday.The two sides once again meet in the first week of August in memory of former Tigers co-promoter Tim Lucking, who also had close links with Stoke prior to his tragic death nine years ago.After a welcome away win over Newport on Sunday, Sheffield are in good heart and will start the meeting as clear favourites.But the Potters include riders with plenty of Owlerton experience as three of their team are ex-Tigers!Alan Mogridge had a brief spell with the club 10-years ago and both Adam Allott and Robbie Kessler started their British careers at Owlerton.And further spice has been added to the meeting with the fact that the visitors have booked Hull skipper Paul Thorp to guest for the injured Jan Staechmann.Thorp has frequently been a controversial character over the years and is assured of a warm welcome from the Owlerton faithful!Sheffield co-promoter Neil Machin said: “Stoke will be fast and competitive and we will be taking nothing for granted.“And after the postponement of last Thursday’s meeting at home to Berwick it will be good to get back into action in front of our home fans.”Sheffield are unchanged from the team which demolished Newport in South Wales at the weekend.SHEFFIELD: Sean Wilson, Ben Wilson, Ricky Ashworth, Richard Hall, Andre Compton, Paul Cooper, Kyle Legault. STOKE: Alan Mogridge, Adam Allott, Paul Clews, Robbie Kessler, Paul Thorp, Barrie Evans, Jack Hargreaves.