Skipper David Howe hopes his knowledge of the tight Monmore Green circuit can be to Oxford Cheetahs' advantage when they visit Wolverhampton for the Knockout Cup second leg tonight (7.30).

Cheetahs, four points adrift after their narrow 47-43 defeat on Wednesday, still face an uphill task despite Howe's enthusiasm.

The Great Britain international and former Wolves rider admitted: "It's not been the most enjoyable start to a season for me.

"I can't blame my bikes, it's been down to me making mistakes. I was a lot quicker from the starts on Wednesday, though.

"Overall, it was a definite improvement, but we are still weak at the bottom end and can't swap any riders around at the moment if a main rider gets hurt as Davey Watt did on Wednesday.

"I am sure I can help the boys tonight. After riding at Wolverhampton for the past few years, I ought to know the right set-ups and will be relaying that to the team.

"There's a few little tricks at Monmore that allow you to pass and I am sure the track will be in excellent shape."

Watt has had extensive treatment on his injured foot and should be passed fit.

Oxford will also be hoping Tony Rickardsson has recovered from his migraine and is in the right mood.

Meanwhile, the prospect of Ronnie Correy joining Oxford, after filling in with Swindon this season, was dashed when he joined Wolves in place of Krys Pecyna, who has returned to Poland.

Wolverhampton: P Karlsson, Correy, Lindgren, M Karlsson, Hamill, Wilson or Lawson, Hefenbrock.

Oxford: Howe, Andersson, Watt, Skornicki, Rickardsson, Pietraszko, Tomicek.