PREMIER League pacesetters Sheffield face fellow title hopefuls Rye House in an eagerly awaited clash at Owlerton on Thursday (7.45pm).

The Sheffield Window Centre-backed side have collected all their aggregate bonus points and need a big win against the Rockets to give them a chance of keeping that record when the sides meet again at Hoddesdon.

Reserve James Cockle has been ruled out as he is still suffering from the effects of a series of crashes in recent weeks and is struggling to gain full mobility.

His place will be taken by a Conference League rider with club owner Neil Machin considering both Ben Hopwood and David Speight.

Tigers owner Neil Machin said: "Rye House have made a superb start to the Premier League season and it's no surprise to see them in third place right now."

Teenage sensation Tai Woffinden, who made his league debut as a free agent with Sheffield last summer, has rocketed from reserve into the main body of the team and fellow youngsters Tommy Allen and Steve Boxall have also made good progress.

They lost Stuart Robson with multiple injuries early in the season but quickly replaced him with Ray Morton, the vastly experienced former Hull man.

Once again Tigers are offering their 'kids for free' promotion to all children aged 12 and under.

TIGERS: Ricky Ashworth, James Birkinshaw, Andre Compton, Ben Wilson, Joel Parsons, Ben Hopwood or David Speight, Paul Cooper.

RYE HOUSE: Chris Neath, Ray Morton, Tai Woffinden, Tommy Allen, Steve Boxall, Luke Bowen, Adam Roynon.