So far this season, it's been a major surprise that Middlesex's batting strength hasn't been in their top three - Andrew Strauss (who is averaging 23.81 in the championship), Scott Newman (21.81) and Owais Shah (17.00). Instead, Dawid Malan (481 runs at an average of 53.44), Gareth Berg and, recently, Neil Dexter have made the bulk of the runs for the North Londoners; which is just as well because they haven't exactly got a tail that wags.

But Middlesex already boast four bowlers with over 20 championship wickets - Steven Finn (28 victims at 15.71 runs apiece), Gareth Berg and Tim Murtagh, who both have 21 wickets, and New Zealand's Iain O'Brien; who is unlikely to be available for this contest due to his recent participation in the World Twenty20. But unfortunately for them neither of the frontline spinners - Shaun Udal and Tom Smith - have enjoyed much success to date.

Mark Ramprakash always seems keen to do well against his former county. He averages 105.80 against Middlesex and has made a hundred in each of his last three championship outings against them.

Jade Dernbach currently has 95 first-class wickets, Mark Ramprakash has 109 f-c hundreds and Chris Tremlett has 294 f-c wickets. Of the Middlesex contingent, Gareth Berg goes into this match with 49 first-class wickets.

Surrey will be without wicketkeeper Steven Davies, who will be on England Lions duty, as well as an official overseas player. 21-year-old fast bowler, Stuart Meaker, who took 5-48 in Gloucestershire's second dig last week will also be missing after injuring his left ankle in the tour match against Bangladesh. Andre Nel is therefore due to return, having not been selected a fortnight ago. Matthew Spriegel is also likely to come in for Chris Schofield, who only made twelve runs in two innings against Gloucestershire.

Each of the first two four-day contests at the Oval this season have ended in a positive result, so, with an improving weather forecast, I can't sit on the fence. Middlesex come into this match with championship victories over Sussex and Derbyshire - two of the three teams Surrey have lost to this summer. I therefore have little option other than to say Middlesex win. Boy, you eally don't know how much that hurt!

A Strauss, S Newman, O Shah, D Malan, N Dexter, J Simpson (wk), G Berg, S Udal (capt), T Murtagh, T Smith and S Finn.

Martin Bodenham and Richard Kettleborough.

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