Oxford Cheetahs' battle to avoid the wooden spoon begins in earnest when they take on Ipswich Witches at the Stadium tonight (7.30pm).

Just two points separate Oxford and basement boys Arena Essex, with a double-header between the teams next week likely to decide who finishes the campaign on bottom.

However, if Cheetahs can shoot the Witches down tonight, they would be handily placed to avoid the unwanted honour of being crowned the worst team in the league.

Oxford entertain Arena at Sandy Lane next Wednesday, the final home meeting of the season, and then go to Purfleet for the return two days later to wrap up the season.

Cheetahs revert to Todd Wiltshire partnering Davey Watt against the Witches tonight, despite rumours of a recent spat between the Aussies.

That means Adam Skornicki will revert to No 4 where, with David Howe, he was the mainstay of the team a few weeks ago.

Ever-present guest Adam Shields again stands in for Ales Dryml.

Lubos Tomicek will miss tonight's meeting for yet another Czech Republic commitment, so Stanislaw Burza fills in at No 6, along with the in-form Eric Andersson at No 7.

The Witches have skipper Chris Louis back from a shoulder injury and together with Mark Loram, Britain's last world champion in 2000 and Polish GP star Pepe Protasiewicz, will give Cheetahs plenty to think about.