Simon Gustafsson steps back out of the Eastbourne reserve berths tonight knowing he could be halfway through a very special week.

The in-form young Swede stunned the Elite League on Monday by helping Eagles win at Peterborough.

He stormed to an impressive paid-ten from four rides for his local track Indianerna before 4,000 fans back in the Swedish top flight on Tuesday.

This Sunday, he captains his country in the World Under-21 Team Cup at Rye House.

And tonight he aims to help Eagles prove, at a conservative estimate, 80% of the nation’s speedway pundits wrong by making absolutely sure there is no way they can finish bottom of the Elite League.

Eagles, widely written off as certs for the wooden spoon when the season started, have won ten of their last 11 home meetings.

The brilliant 47-43 success at Peterborough has more or less ensured tonight’s visitors Ipswich cannot catch them.

Theoretically the Witches could still finish level with Eastbourne on 35 points.

That theory will become fantasy if Ipswich fail to win by seven or more tonight to claim the extra bonus point.

In reality, the suddenly buoyant Eagles are not even thinking about avoiding a heavy defeat.

Only a seventh successive home win will do as they start to enjoy their racing again after some tough times earlier in the season.

Gustafsson said: “Monday was perfect. We’ve started working as a team again.

“Before, everyone was doing it all for themselves.

“I think we are enjoying it more now. We talk more in the pits and out on the track.”

Asked if that improved team spirit had anything to with the absence of controversial No. 1 Matej Zagar, Gustafsson did what he does best.

He dropped the clutch and, figuratively speaking, sped off into the distance. In other words, no comment Fair enough. Zagar is due to return tonight and, when here, he has apparently been fine with his team-mates. It is just that he is not here often enough.

Gustafsson rejoins the Slovenian in the top five after a few point-laden weeks in the reserves having originally seen his average plummet this term.

“It shouldn’t be much different,” he says, now brimming with confidence. I know I can beat these guys. I’ve just got to drop the clutch and turn left.”

And once he has done that a few times tonight, all thoughts will turn to the big one and a potential medal with Sweden under-21s.

Rye House is even smaller and more tricky than Arlington. So that small-track experience can only help against Poland, Denmark and a Great Britain side which includes Eastbourne asset Lewis Bridger.

Gustafsson said: “The track will not suit the Polecats so that will be a big advantage for us over them. You’ve got England (sic) and Denmark who are used to smaller tracks.

“We don’t have those tracks in Sweden but our boys all ride over here in the leagues and have done for a year or two. We have got a chance.”