SERGEY Darkin is poised to make his debut for Swindon tonight as they travel to King’s Lynn to take on Rob Lyon’s in-form side.

The two-time Russian champion, who was signed a matter of days ago, slots in at reserve alongside Cory Gathercole as he returns to the scene of one of his eminent triumphs this season.

Darkin sprung one of the surprises of event two of the World Cup at the Norfolk Arena, when he passed Swindon’s Scott Nicholls on bend four, lap one of the second heat and held on to record a rare Russian victory that day.

The introduction of the Uzbekistan-born rider in place of guest Ricky Kling is one of two changes in personnel from the side that was thrashed 59-33 at Eastbourne on Saturday.

The other sees Polish youngster Maciej Janowski take his place at number three having been unavailable for the outing at Arlington, with Jesper B. Monberg switching back to his favoured berth at number two. Elsewhere, captain Simon Stead moves to four with Nicolai Klindt shifting to five.

Tonight’s clash also sees Jan Staechmann return to take up the managerial reins after missing the Eastbourne meeting due to his media commitments at the Italian Grand Prix.

And although having had the pleasure of witnessing the top riders from across the globe go head to head at Terenzano, Staechmann is looking for inspiration a little closer to home, from the West Midlands to be exact.

Coventry pulled off an unbelievable grand final triumph over Poole last season having suffered a raft of defeats at the beginning of the campaign, and Staechmann wants his side, who are rooted to the bottom of the standings, to do their best to imitate this, although he accepts the opportunities are slimming by the day.

“Although mathematically still possible, the play-offs do seem a long way, but that doesn’t mean we’re not going to try,” said the boss.

“Coventry have made some Houdini comebacks in years gone by, so we’re going to try our best and we’ll see how it all pans out.”

For King’s Lynn’s part, they can move top of the Elite League tonight if they collect a three or two-point win and Poole taste defeat against Wolverhampton, but regardless they are still well on course for the play-offs.

Ex-Robin Mads Korneliussen is fit despite his crash in Stars’ 47-43 win at Blunsdon last week, while number one Kenneth Bjerre has recovered from a knock to the head.