DAVEY Watt has admitted he and Bjarne Pedersen go into the Elite League Pairs' Championship at King's Lynn tonight (7pm) with "high expectations".

But the Pirates star believes this year's competition is also the most open for years, although Peterborough duo Hans Andersen and Kenneth Bjerre have been labelled favourites.

Watt joins forces with Pedersen, who lifted the trophy with Jason Crump for Poole Castle Cover 12 months ago at the same venue, in a bid to retain the silverware for the Dorset club.

The Australian is boosted by the fact he knows the Norfolk Arena track like the back of his hand after riding regularly for King's Lynn in 2003.

Watt, who has a CMA of 8.00 compared to Pedersen's 8.28, said: "I think we are as strong as any top two in any team.

"I know there are some strong pairings but I go well at King's Lynn. I know the track there and I know Bjarne always goes well there.

"We are going there with high expectations, and I'm quite sure I won't be too happy with anything less than a good result."

Asked what if would mean if Pirates lifted the trophy, Watt replied: "It would be fantastic.

"It would be great to get a bit of silverware early in the season for our fans and our team. It would show we are very passionate about winning.

"Everyone in the team is very determined this year and are expecting results. It would be a great way to start our season."

Eastbourne's Scott Nicholls and Lee Richardson, and Belle Vue's Crump and Charlie Gjedde are also strongly backed.

However, Watt said: "I know everyone in the meeting is capable of winning races.

"If that is the case, then it is quite open. Some pairings may look a bit stronger on paper, but speedway is a funny game and can produce some funny results."

Buoyed by his fourth-placed finish in the Elite League Riders' Championship in King's Lynn in August, Watt added: "It proves I can beat anybody there.

"I passed Nicki (Pedersen) there. I was the only person to beat him and he went on to win the final.

"I know I can beat anybody on that track, but it's a pairs' event, it's not all about me.

"Hopefully I can put up a good fight and Bjarne will be up there with me, and me up there with him."

n Watt scored six points as a guest to help Lakeside draw 45-45 at Peterborough and reach the Craven Shield knockout stages alongside Poole and probably either Coventry or Belle Vue.

How they line up: Belle Vue (Jason Crump/Charlie Gjedde), Coventry (Chris Harris/Rory Schlein), Eastbourne (Scott Nicholls/Lee Richardson), Ipswich (Chris Louis/Steve Johnston), Lakeside (Andreas Jonsson or Joonas Kylmakorpi/Adam Shields), Peterborough (Hans Andersen/Kenneth Bjerre), Pirates (Bjarne Pedersen/Davey Watt), Swindon (Leigh Adams/Troy Batchelor), Wolves (Fredrik Lindgren/Niels-Kristian Iversen).