SOMERSET SABRES V SURREY BROWN CAPS at Bath (Friends Provident Trophy), 10 JUNE 2007

Given that Surrey have lost ten out of their last eleven one-day meetings with Somerset, they might secretly be hoping that the showers forecast for Bath tomorrow do actually materialise. The Brown Caps have not had much to shout about since their successful visit to Cresselly two weeks ago.

Mark Butcher could be out for a month with an injured Achilles tendon and Rikki Clarke, his vice-captain, has relinquished the role. Other than Ramprakash and Batty, the batsmen are not making the runs they should be and the bowling, particularly in the championship, looks suited to Division Two rather than the competition's top flight where they are struggling to cut the mustard.

On the plus side, the Oval outfit held on for a draw today and one win from their last two Friends Provident Trophy matches will probably put them through to the semi-finals. With the Sabres looking out of contention, the Brown Caps will be hoping Somerset opt to blood some of their less experienced charges.

Assuming, however, that the hosts opt to go with the team that has served them pretty well so far, the batting dangers for Surrey are likely to be Justin Langer (360 runs at an average of 60.00 in this summer's FPT), Cameron White, Ian Blackwell and 19-year-old keeper-batsman Craig Kieswetter. James Hildreth and Marcus Trescothick are yet to fire in one-day cricket, but it would be a mistake for Surrey to dismiss the threat they also pose.

The Sabres' attack has been sharper than most in the FPT. Charl Willoughby had led the way with eight wickets at 21.00 runs apiece (and an economy rate of 4.00 to boot). Blackwell and Keith Parsons have taken the pace off the ball enough to make it difficult to get them away, while Peter Trego and Steffan Jones have had been highly effective partnership-breakers.

Scott Newman is set to make his 50th List A appearance. Chris Schofield currently has 97 career one-day wickets to his name. Of those likely to be in Somerset's ranks Ian Blackwell, who is 29 tomorrow, goes into this contest with 147 List A wickets. Meanwhile, Peter Trego has 48.

Mark Butcher (Achilles) and James Benning (side strain) are out of contention due to injury, so the Brown Caps will be led by Mark Ramprakash. Mohammad Akram has recovered from his thigh strain, while Jade Dernbach, Nayan Doshi, Rory Hamilton-Brown, Scott Newman, Stewart Walters are also named in the visitors' 13-man squad.

Need you ask? The wheels are in danger of coming off Surrey's wagon. Obviously, one hopes and prays they don't, but the Brown Caps' recent form has not been cause for celebration. Sorry, but my head says Somerset win.

M Trescothick, P Trego, J Langer (capt), C White, J Hildreth, C Kieswetter (wk), I Blackwell, K Parsons, S Jones, A Caddick and C Willoughby.

Nigel Llong and George Sharp.

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