Who could have predicted that Middlesex would hold a 24-point advantage over Surrey coming into this contest? While the South Londoners have been held to two draws, Middlesex have opened up with two wins on the trot.

As expected, new overseas signing Chris Rogers has started well with the bat, hitting 144 runs at an average of 48.00, but what has also been encouraging for the North Londoners is that Scott Newman and Gareth Berg have produced in that department. The only real concern has been the form of skipper Neil Dexter, who has only managed 12 runs in four visits to the crease.

Berg has been an even bigger revelation with the ball, taking 12 wickets at an average of 9.58, while Steven Finn and Tim Murtagh have combined well enough to keep Toby Roland-Jones out. Following Shaun Udal's retirement, Ollie Rayner has been acquired on loan from Sussex to pose a spin threat. If Middlesex have a weakness it's that Rayner is averaging 57.50 after two games.

Historically, Chris Rogers has hit two hundreds and three half-centuries in eight innings against Surrey. Scott Newman has made two fifties in three. But, with the ball, Steven Finn’s worst record is against the South Londoners, against whom he averages 42.00.

Surrey's Gareth Batty goes into this week's clash against Middlesex needing 32 runs for 5,000 in first-class cricket. Tom Maynard has 922 f-c runs, while Jade Dernbach has 149 f-c wickets. For the hosts, Tim Murtagh needs five more wickets for 300 in first-class cricket, while John Simpson goes into the game with 939 f-c runs under his belt.

Stuart Meaker is named in Surrey's 13-man squad despite carrying a slight hamstring strain, so Tim Linley is on standby. Chris Jordan will also be at Lord's and could get his first opportunity of the season if the pitch looks likely to suit the seamers.

Friday's weather forecast looks less than promising, so, given that eight out of the last 11 championship meetings between these two sides have ended in stalemate, my inclination is that this game will also end in a draw. Let's hope I am wrong because Surrey are still searching for their first victory of the new campaign.

C Rogers, S Newman, D Housego, D Malan, N Dexter (capt), G Berg, J Simpson (wk), O Rayner, T Roland-Jones, S Finn and C Collymore.

Nigel Cowley and Neil Mallender.

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