Freddie Lindgren in form as Sam Masters calls for Wolverhampton Wolves to hit hard

The Parrys International Wolves are facing a repeat of last year’s Grand Final as they look to move one step closer to retaining their title.

Aussie ace Masters is anticipating a fierce encounter with the Aces – but he believes they have what it takes to come out on top.

And he believes a strong result in the first leg in Manchester could be crucial as they aim to set themselves up nicely for the second leg at Monmore Green next Monday, September 25 (7.30pm).

Masters said: “Belle Vue are a bit of an unpredictable team and you don’t know what you’re going to get from them, so we’ll have to try and hit them hard at their track.

“If we can do that then hopefully they’ll come to our place with their heads down. It will be tough but over two legs I think we’ll be OK.”

Wolves will be at full strength, while the Aces draft in Rob Shuttleworth to guest for the injured Jack Smith at reserve.

Freddie Lindgren stormed to a stunning victory in the 2017 Premiership Riders’ Championship at Belle Vue.

The Parrys International Wolves No.1 emerged from a breathtaking night of action to see off home stars Max Fricke and Craig Cook in a frantic Grand Final. Lindgren, who progressed straight to the decisive race alongside top scorer Cook, came under heavy pressure from both Aces riders in the early stages.

But he held his nerve after blasting into the dirt and around the outside on the opening bend to take the chequered flag and defend the crown he won at Coventry last year.

It was a memorable night for the in-form Lindgren, who will lead Wolves into the first leg of their SGB Premiership play-off semi-final tie at the National Speedway Stadium on Monday (7.30).

“I’m really happy,” Lindgren said. “It was really tough tonight. We had a bit of rain beforehand which made the track wet and tricky, especially early on.

“It was very tough for every rider tonight, so I was really glad to make it straight to the final and even though I didn’t get the set-up 100 per cent with my bike I managed to ride a really good race in the final.

“It’s not easy to make the final in this field, so I’m very happy with my performance and very happy to get the win.”

Ironically, it turned out to be a Wolves vs Belle Vue showdown in the final race after team-mate Jacob Thorssell stormed under Max Fricke in the semi-final to take the chequered flag and reach the final.

He narrowly missed out on third place after a brave last-bend lunge underneath Cook, but fourth place was a solid showing for the Swedish star after he just edged into the semi-final on countback.