Oxford Cheetahs' promoter Aaron Lanney is calling on his team to defy the odds and beat Sky Sports Elite League high-fliers Reading Bulldogs at the Stadium tonight (7.30).

With Cheetahs rooted to the foot of the table, and the Bulldogs just a point off the top, the result looks a forgone conclusion.

Lanney is calling for a massive effort from his team, but knows they face an uphill task, especially after being forced to shuffle his pack.

Ales Dryml, who rejoined Cheetahs earlier this week, slots into the third heat leader role, but he faces a tough task on his return to the track after a four-year absence.

With Lubos Tomicek still sidelined after his crash a week ago, and Davey Watt damaging a wrist riding in Poland, the hosts are under-strength.

Add to that Eric Andersson called up for duty in Sweden, the Oxford side will need a monumental effort to beat the Bulldogs at Cowley for the second time this season.

Oxford will use the rider-replacement facility for Watt, while No 8 Matthew Tressarieu comes in for Tomicek.

Somerset youngster Stephan Katt fills in for Andersson.

"It's going to need a real back-to-the-wall effort," said Lanney.

"We have a mini injury crisis. Eric is absent and the Bulldogs include no fewer than four former Oxford riders in their six-man line-up.

"Still, we've beaten them once this season, so who knows what could happen.

"We lost ony by eight points at Reading last week, so the bonus point is there if we are up to it tonight. I am sure our fans will really get behind the team."

Former Oxford riders Greg Hancock, Charlie Gjedde, Travis McGowan and Andy Smith know their way around Cowley, and they won't find the track so heavy as in their defeat here over Easter.

Reading moved into second spot behind Belle Vue with a thumping win over Swindon on Monday and will be out to go top after tonight's action.

Oxford: T Wiltshire, rider-replacement, D Watt, D Howe, A Skornicki, A Dryml, S Katt, M Tresarrieu.

Reading: G Hancock, T McGowan, C Gjedde, M Zagar, rider-replacement, J Kolodriej, A Smith, Z Simota.