Surrey have never lost a championship game at what is now known as the SWALEC Stadium, formerly Sophia Gardens, in Cardiff. So, after starting their season with a draw - which achieves little if you're in Division Two - Surrey will be keen for that record to remain intact. It's also worth noting that the Oval outfit have only lost on one occasion to Glamorgan, home and away, since 1985.

In their opening two encounters Glamorgan have struggled with the bat. Only 23-year-old Ben Wright and new skipper and overseas player Alviro Petersen have shown any form in that area. Michael Powell has been the biggest disappointment, with just 37 runs to show for four visits to the crease.

The bowlers have delivered, though. James Harris (8 championship wickets at 12.62 runs apiece) has been the pick, but Adam Shantry and veteran slow left-armer Dean Cosker have also been prominent.

Jim Allenby, Gareth Rees and Mark Wallace's championship bests with the bat have all come against the Surrey. In September 2009, Allenby made 137, Rees 154 and Wallace 139 at the Oval as the visitors racked up 702-8 declared in their first innings.

Surrey's Gareth Batty goes into this clash needing 84 runs for 5,000 in first-class cricket. Jade Dernbach and Stuart Meaker have 148 and 49 f-c wickets respectively. Also, Jade has so far taken 245 wickets in all competitions for Surrey. Assuming he plays, Zander de Bruyn will be facing Glamorgan for the first time in the championship. For the hosts, 20-year-old seamer James Harris is set to make his 50th first-class appearance.

There is just one change to the 13-man squad for the curtain-raiser against Northants. Jade Dernbach is said to be fit again, so Chris Jordan drops out. But who will make way if Jader plays? Also, who would you ease out in favour of Jason Roy? I wouldn't want to be Chris Adams when it comes to telling two of the guys that they must sit out this contest and wait for their chance.

Five out of the last six matches between these two sides have ended in stalemate, but I don't see this one going the same way. After bowling at the Oval, Surrey's attack will relish a pitch that gives them greater parity with the opposition batsmen. Coupled with Jade Dernbach's return to the fold, I fully expect the visitors to take the spoils.

G Rees, A Petersen (capt), W Bragg, M Powell, B Wright, J Allenby, M Wallace (wk), G Wagg, J Harris, D Cosker and A Shantry.

Ian Gould and Andy Hicks.

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