2 for me this week. No great prices but should be solid.
10pts Somerset to beat Hampshire 8/15 Ladbrokes
Somerset come into this match with just a draw to their names from their solitary match in the Championship this season. That was a rain affected match. Hampshire have a draw against Sussex and an innings defeat to Yorkshire so far this season. Somerset come into this match having already done the double over the Hawks in the FP Trophy.
Somerset will give a Championship debut to Zander de Bruyn in this match. Justin Langer returns to skipper the side while Marcus Trescothick is joined at the top of the order by Neil Edwards for the 1st time this season. Andrew Caddick misses out so Alfonso Thomas plays and Somerset will decide between Michael Munday and Steffan Jones for their last place on the day of the game.
For Hampshire it's a who's who that they are without. Obviously Warne has now quit the club but they will also be without Shane Bond who's gone lame, Dimitri Mascarenhas who is warming Jaipur's bench in the IPL as well as Chris Tremlett and Michael Carberry who are playing for the England Lions. That means their attack will be led by David Griffiths and James Tomlinson - both teenagers. Hamza Riazuddin, a teenage all rounder gets his debut in this match too. Kevin Pietersen plays though while Jimmy Adams takes over as captain from Pothas who reverts to being just the keeper.
Hampshire are massively depleted here and you can't go to Taunton with a seam attack of 3 teenagers and Sean Ervine. It's cannon fodder in truth. Even with KP in the side Hampshire aren't going to be competitive enough here. They certainly shouldn't bowl Somerset out twice. Somerset have won both FP Trophy matches this season and the hat trick will be complete by Saturday. I'm no fan of short prices in cricket but this does look too good to be true.
10pts Warwickshire to beat Derbyshire 8/11 Ladbrokes
Warwickshire are joint top of Division 2 coming into this match courtesy of a win against Northants and a couple of rain affected draws. Derbyshire beat Essex in a contrived finish and drew with Gloucestershire when defeat looked certain before the rain arrived. Both sides had contrasting fortunes in the FP Trophy at the weekend but the 4 day game is different.
Derbyshire will be without key all rounders Graham Wagg and Greg Smith. They are out through injury and illness and are both big misses, particularly Wagg. Charl Langeveldt should make his debut but once again this batting lineup looks way too light. Tom Lungley will support Langeveldt with the new ball while Nayan Doshi plays against the side who tried to sign him last season.
Warwickshire have the services of Ian Bell and Tim Ambrose one last time here before they disappear on England duty. Jon Trott has been in good form as has his skipper Darren Maddy. Monde Zondeki has settled ok with the ball and James Anyon is now back. Neil Carter will complete the seam option. Ian Salisbury has started the season well while Ant Botha will play against his old club.
Warwickshire have way too much strength for this Derbyshire side. The lack of batting nearly cost them against Gloucester until the rain saved them but the forecast is perfect in Derby for the next 4 days so that luxury doesn't exist here. Warwickshire for me.