PLYMOUTH Devils will be looking to get their home Premier League programme off to a winning start against Sheffield at the St Boniface Arena on Friday evening (7.15pm).

The Devils will be without skipper Kyle Newman, who is suffering from a groin injury, and will operate rider replacement to cover his absence.

Team manager Lee Trigger says: “It is important for us to get some points on the board. With their home form, I am sure the boys can cover for Kyle and put one over on a strong Sheffield side.”

Newman was injured while riding for his Elite League club Poole last Wednesday, but got through Poole’s match at Coventry on Friday and rode for the Devils at Scunthorpe on Sunday.

He suffered further problems with the injury, however, and Trigger explained: “Kyle has been to hospital for a check and was told to rest.”

Newman is currently third in the Plymouth averages so other team members, with the exception of number one Charlie Gjedde, will be able to take additional rides.

Sheffield are led by Simon Stead with the main support coming from Jason Garrity and Kyle Howarth. British under-21 champion Josh Bates and Frenchman Dimitri Berge are at second string with Richard Hall and Nathan Greaves at reserve.

Plymouth: Charlie Gjedde, rider replacement for Kyle Newman, Jack Holder, Todd Kurtz, Sam Simota. Reserves: Stefan Nielsen, Ellis Perks.

Sheffield: Simon Stead, Dimitri Berge, Kyle Howarth, Josh Bates, Jason Garrity. Reserves: Richard Hall, Nathan Greaves.