Redcar,Poole and Glasgow + 1. from the rest for Play Offs.

Err, Scorpions have 3 Aussies😕

Probably agree they won't make the play-offs, not that I think they're a bad team (if a forum we don't have to agree lol). I could see them finishing 8th, but only a couple of points off 4th, think it could be that close.

Poole: clearly not a strong as last year, could struggle at reserve till Cairns signs, still expect them to make the top 4, with Rowe a big improver. Oxford: I really think they've got lots of potential in the reserve berths, which could see Gilkes & Knudsen ending up their, which is a power packed bottom end. Obvious problem is 2nd & 3rd heat leaders, but bottom end could cover that, play-offs contenders. Scunthorpe: as I said above see improvement from ZK, so expect a strong reserve pairing & plenty of home wins. Not favourites for a top 4 spot, but in contention. Workington: far better reserves than last year, top 3 awesome at home. If Zischke & Vuolas can improve their away from, great chance of a top 4 spot. Also a big season for Bowes & Etheridge, if they can do enough to keep Foord & Hook at reserve, looks very solid. Glasgow: Must be the best top 5 in the league, but also the weakest reserve pairing by far. Dan T, Howarth (if he's at 3) should be pushing 8 point averages. Flint & Boughen should be putting a point on their averages. Just becomes a question of can they win the league with 5 riders scoring the baulk of the points? Redcar: best heat leader trio by far, King should add something to his average (if at 3). Really impressed by Jason Edwards, so an awesome top 4 in truth. Question marks over the bottom 3, Mulford has been a slow improver, but now in the top 5, think it could be a struggle for him to maintain his average. Reserves only slightly better than Glasgow's. The top 4 makes it look at play-offs side though. Edinburgh: lacking a top rider, but have a very solid 1-6 & the best 2 pointer imo. Not favourites, but see no reason why they can't mount a play-off challenge. Plymouth: look the weakest team so far, Klindt's average will drop, but he's a good number one. Even weaker heat leaders than Oxford. Fredriksen should do well, which could leave Bowtell as a potent reserve.  But this looks a wooden spoon side to me. Berwick: much better looking team than in recent years, looks a strong top 2, Kemp looked good at the end of last year & should carry on that improvement. Borke is tough to call, was very good at number 7, but now starts in the top 5 after coming back from a serious injury. Whoever is at reserve with Wood should do well there though. There's not a lot between the teams so tough to pick a finishing order, probably say: Redcar & Glasgow top 2. Poole bound to make the top 4, they always do. Maybe Oxford, Workington & Berwick favourites for 4th. Scunthorpe, Edinburgh in with a chance. Plymouth rank outsiders.

Zaine and Declan Kennedy are poor signings, Simon Lambert had a poor season, Harrison is a good reserve but overall a poor team, can't see them making the play offs.

1. REDCAR (A match for Glasgows top 5, but we got better reserves) 2. GLASGOW (Weak reserves. Top 5 got to stay injury free) 3. WORKINGTON (Loads of potential) 4. POOLE (Rowe a great signing. Much will depend on Kerr and how Cairns adapts to CL Racing) 5. BERWICK (Will depend on keeping Cookie on track for a full season and Kildermand scores the big points they are expecting) 6. OXFORD (Team changes will be made) 7. SCUNTHORPE (A lot depends on the Kennedys and if Worrall wears his gating gloves) 8. EDINBURGH (Pressure on Paco and Sedgeman and just hope the new pole has seen the Edinburgh track? He should be ok away) 9. PLYMOUTH (At least they are starting with a No.1, but will they finish the season with him)