Wolverhampton v Coventry

Alun Rossiter is looking forward to a fresh challenge away from Swindon

Coventry Bees are aiming for the Elite League top two when they get the new speedway season underway in a Challenge match at Wolverhampton on Monday night.

Elite League champions Wolves take on their fierce local rivals in the first leg at Monmore Green, ahead of Friday's return fixture at Brandon.

And, in his first match in charge after his move from home-town club Swindon, new Bees boss Alun Rossiter is hopeful.

"The goal is the top two. I believe it is achievable," said Rossiter.

"I feel a lot more relaxed here because I always felt I had a point to prove at Swindon.

"In many ways the pressure has been lifted off me from being manager at Swindon, living in the town, running the pub and always getting people's opinions when things went wrong."

New Coventry signing Christian Hefenbrock makes his debut against his parent club, while Bees have elected to pair Rory Schlein and Ben Barker in the middle order, with Edward Kennett switching to No 5.

Coventry are one of a number of clubs who I feel look capable of a play-off push, along with ourselves

Wolves boss Peter Adams

Captain Chris Harris said: "It's a local derby and we want to show we mean business this season.

"It's going to be an interesting challenge for us all this year, and we have a team with riders who can improve a lot on their averages."

Wolves team manager Peter Adams predicts a close contest between the two sides over not just this week's two legs but over the entire season.

"Coventry are one of a number of clubs who I feel look capable of a play-off push, along with ourselves," said Adams. "And I think the fans will see two good, competitive meetings.

"This is a good way for both clubs to start the season."

Wolves have winter signings Tai Woffinden and Joe Screen geared up for their debut.

WOLVERHAMPTON: F Lindgren, Proctor, Klindt, Screen, Woffinden, L Lindgren, Haines.

COVENTRY: Harris, Hefenbrock, Schlein, Barker, Kennett, Auty, Sitera.