Sky Sports speedway expert Kelvin Tatum looks ahead to Monday's live double-header: the Elite League play-off semi-finals.....

Kelvin on Poole v Ipswich
Kelvin on Lakeside v Swindon

Box office

Since the introduction of the play-offs in the Elite League, it's been box office stuff every year.

Pedersen: Poole stalwart

We've got the four best teams in there this season, no doubt about it. They're not necessarily the four predicted at the beginning of the season but they deserve to be there; it's a good line-up.

Supporters flock to the play-offs so you can be sure of two great atmospheres at Poole and Lakeside on Monday night. And, usually, we see some spectacular speedway.

The away sides are always under pressure; no team that has finished third or fourth in the league has ever gone on to be crowned champions.

Could that change this year? Swindon go to Lakeside as the only side to beat them on their home track this year. The Robins wanted the Hammers and they've got their wish...

Poole v Ipswich

Poole lost at Ipswich in their final regular meeting of the season but this will be a completely different race, largely because the Pirates have that crucial home advantage.

On a very grippy track, the Witches were certainly very sharp at Foxhall but there was very little for Poole, secure of that top spot, to race for. Ipswich, on the other hand, were still chasing third place in the league and that was reflected in the result.

The only time that Poole have really been under pressure was during their meeting with Coventry in the Knockout Cup, which they drew. Bjarne Pedersen, as well as some of the others, had disastrous nights and that left them vulnerable.

But Pedersen has generally been a very steady performer for Poole and their Australian rider, Chris Holder, has been sensational. He has lit the place up since coming in from the Isle of Wight in the Premier League; he looks like he has been in the Elite League all his career.

For Pete Simmons to have any chance of outwitting the hosts, he needs a full side. He's had a few problems with some of the Polish riders not getting back in time for meetings so initially, he'll just be keen to see all seven riders there!

They do have a good line-up, Ipswich. Rory Schlein, who joined from Coventry, is in good form and if he, along with Piotr Swiderski and Robert Miskowiak, hit top form, I do believe they will put pressure on Poole.

History, however, tells you that an away draw has proved fruitless since the inception of the play-offs so Ipswich are going to have to hope for one of those nights where everything goes for them and, potentially, pray for a little misfortune for the Pirates.

KELVIN'S KEY MAN
Chris Holder - His performance is key for the Pirates. As for Ipswich, Schlein has been in great form but the man who has been their star all season is Swiderski.

KELVIN'S CALL
Poole win - They have plenty of experience right down the order - Adam Skornicki is the new Polish national champion - and they have just all hit it off. They haven't got any weak links.

Lakeside v Swindon

I've already mentioned that Swindon are the only side to win at Lakeside this year. Jurica Pavlic, who was signed at that stage, came out and got a 21-point maximum - seven rides, seven wins - while Leigh Adams knows the place well, having ridden for Arena Essex in the past.

The Robins will need big performances from those two, backed up by Troy Batchelor and Mads Korneliussen, who's had a good season.

They could do it. Lakeside have had some serious injuries at the heart of their team recently: Jonas Davidsson, Joonas Kylmakorpi and Adam Shields.

Certainly Swindon will be looking at that and thinking maybe they can catch the Hammers while they are a bit vulnerable.

Travis McGowan has been recalled to the Robins side; a case of needs must, I think, because unfortunately Seb Alden broke his collarbone at Coventry. Travis had just been dropped for Alden - he hadn't been in good form - but they will be hoping the play-offs inspire him to a better performance.

Lakeside of course have got an out and out No 1 in Andreas Jonsson, who has been terrific for them, and a strong pairing in Ricky Kling and Lubos Tomicek down at reserve.

It's a tricky track, Lakeside. They have one or two track specialists in their team but they've also done very well in selecting the right type of guests for cover while they have had these injuries; Lewis Bridger and Edward Kennett have both come in and done a great job.

Credit has to go to Jon Cook and Stuart Douglas: they have done remarkably well to keep momentum going because having those injuries at a crucial part of the season could easily have halted their run.

KELVIN'S KEY MAN
Andreas Jonsson - Jonsson needs to be in inspiring form because he's their top man. From Swindon's point of view, Pavlic has been fantastic but you need your most experienced men to come through - and that's Leigh Adams.

KELVIN'S CALL
Lakeside win - Lakeside are definitely vulnerable but it's difficult to call an away win. Because of the tricky track, I'm going for the home side - but it could be very tight.

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