Oxford Cheetahs' big TV showdown against Belle Vue at the Stadium tonight has been overshadowed by the untimely death of Jon Underwood.

The 25-year-old was tragically killed in a motor accident at the weekend, and a minute's silence will be held tonight as a mark of respect.

Cheetahs are hoping for a big crowd to turn out, not only to pay their respects to a popular rider, but also to urge Cheetahs to a badly needed Elite League victory.

It's a 'kids for a quid' fixture tonight when up to three children can benefit, provided they are accompanied by a paying adult. Oxford go into action without the injured Jimmy Nilsen who suffered shoulder damage, a broken finger and concussion in his first-ride crash with Peter Karlsson against Wolves on Friday.

But the promoters have brought in England ace Joe Screen to do the business against his old club.

Cheetahs will be looking to their Australians to produce the goods again after Todd Wiltshire zipped to a brilliant 18-point full house on Friday and Steve Johnston rode his heart out to gain the bronze medal in the Overseas final on Sunday.

The Aces, the oldest club still running in the sport, have problems, with top Swedish star Peter Nahlin witholding his services and John Jorgensen also out.

Jesper Olsen comes in at reserve for Jorgensen, while the Aces expect to track a guest in place of Nahlin.

Jason Lyons will be the rider to watch, while former Cheetah Glenn Cunningham will relish his return to Sandy Lane. The parade is at 7.30pm with the action gettting under way at 7.45pm. The meeting will be screened live on Sky Sports 2.