Stoke Potters set for double header with Rye House

Dane Claus Vissing is suspended for the rest of the season

Stoke Potters are gearing up for a tough double header against Rye House Rockets in the Premier League.

The teams meet at Loomer Road on Saturday night before the Potters travel to Hertfordshire for the return leg on Monday.

The match is a tough test for Stoke as the Rockets look to force their way into the promotion play-offs.

The Potters meanwhile need the points to cement a top 12 position and a place in the end of season Young Shield.

The Potters will give a debut to new signing Jeremiah Thelaus on Saturday.

The 22-year-old Swede has replaced Claus Vissing who was banned for the rest of the season by the Danish federation after an incident occurred whilst riding in his homeland.

The Potters will also be without influential reserve rider Lubos Tomicek, who is currently representing the Czech Republic in the semi-final of the European Championship.

Tomicek will be replaced by Luke Priest as Stoke take advantage of rules allowing a National League rider to be drafted in to replace the Czech.

Frank Facher will also return having missed the victory over King's Lynn Stars while away competing in the World Under-21 final.

The Rockets currently lie fifth in the Premier League table, five points off Newcastle in the final play-off position.

Stoke meanwhile are 12th, level on points with Newport in 11th having played two games more. They are a point clear of Glasgow in 13th but the Scotsmen have three matches in hand.