Oxford Cheetahs face the big screen test when they take on Arena Essex in a Skybet Elite League clash front of the Sky Sports cameras at Sandy Lane tonight (7.30pm).

The Cheetahs line-up, who will face changes in the riding order next week when the green sheet averages come into effect, will be out to impress promoter Aaron Lanney, whose team are firmly anchored to the floor of the table.

Although Arena Essex are just above Oxford in the table, they have pulled off some good victories this season, especially on their own Purfleet circuit.

They have Mikael Max at No 1, who has just recovered from long term injuries and Arena boss Ronnie Russell expects big things for the Wolves asset.

Former Oxford skipper Steve Johnston captains the side, and if he rides as well as he commentated on the Swedish GP on Saturday, then he will be in for a good night.

Arena will use rider-replacement for the injured Dane Henning Bager, and another former Oxford inmate Paul Hurry should score score well at reserve.

Lubos Tomicek returns for Cheetahs, for the first time since his amazing paid 15 at Belle Vue and will be out to show it was no fluke.

He together with Eric Andersson could sway things for the home side Oxford (with averages): T Wiltshire 8.37, D Watt 6.60, Adam Skornicki 5.96, Eriksson 6.42, D Howe (capt) 6.82, L Tomicek 3.00, E Andersson 4.00. Team manager: Graeme Gordon.

Arena Essex: M Max 8.78, H Bager (r/r) 5.07, L Lanham 5.26, S Johnston (capt) 5.63, J Kylmakorpi 6.20, M Puszakowski 4.00, P Hurry 4.64 Team manager: Ronnie Russell.