That Surrey won their last championship game at Edgbaston tells you just how long ago it was. The year was 2007 and the result contributed to Warwickshire's relegation at the end of that summer (whereas Surrey did enough to remain in the top flight). Five years on, it's the Bears who are pushing for the title - nothwithstanding their recent defeat to Somerset - while the Ovalites are locked in a four-way battle with Durham, Lancashire and Worcestershire to avoid the drop.

The hosts have had seven different centurions in four-day cricket this summer, although two, Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott, obviously won't see action in this game. Varun Chopra (552 runs at an average of 39.42) and Rikki Clarke (536 runs at 67.00) have been the stand-out performers with the willow, but each of the probable top seven in Warwickshire's line-up is currently averaging at least 23.87 in the County Championship.

Their attack also appears to be firing on all cylinders. Keith Barker (38 championship wickets at 17.36 runs apiece) has been the pick of the seamers, while Rikki Clarke, Chris Woakes and Chris Wright have all bowled creditably. But Warwickshire's main weapon is arguably New Zealand off-spinner Jeetan Patel, who has 34 scalps to date at an average of 22.17.

Chris Jordan (924) is approaching one thousand first-class career runs, while, of the Warwickshire contingent, Varun Chopra (4,894) is approaching the 5,000-run mark. Darren Maddy is one wicket away from 250 first-class career scalps and Jeetan Patel, with 295, is five short of three hundred.

With Arun Harinath over the injury to his right thumb, Matthew Spriegel misses the trip to Edgbaston. Jade Dernbach, who has been struggling with a side strain, is also named in Surrey's 13-man squad, but his involvement hinges on a late fitness test.

Despite all the sunshine we've been having lately, the weather could have a say. For instance, the forecast for day 3 suggests a foreshortened day. But, if there's something in the pitch for the bowlers, a positive outcome cannot be written off. Of the sides Surrey faced in the first half of the season, Warwickshire were by far the most resilient. With the visitors missing key players, the midlands outfit must start as favourites. Conclusion - Warwickshire win.

V Chopra, I Westwood, W Porterfield, J Troughton (capt), D Maddy, R Clarke, C Woakes, R Johnson (wk), K Barker, J Patel and B Rankin.

Nigel Cowley and George Sharp.

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