With Yorkshire the favourites to secure their first Championship title since 1967, tension is rising in the white rose county.

"Naturally when it gets to this stage of the season they are all massive games," coach Arnie Sidebottom reasoned. "But we are top of the league and playing well so we've got a chance."

Sidebottom credits Yorkshire's strength in depth for their success this season. They will need that strength once again as several players are doubtful for their trip to old rivals Lancashire at Old Trafford.

Ryan Sidebottom has a groin strain, Matthew Hoggard is still recovering from a side strain and Chris Silverwood has a sore back. But Craig White and Paul Hutchison are available.

"We've not been able to send out a consistent team because of injuries and international call-ups but we have strength in depth and a strong squad has helped keep us at the top," Sidebottom said.

With Yorkshire winning the first of the CricInfo Championship Roses games, Lancashire are particularly keen to gain revenge when they meet at Old Trafford from tomorrow.

Lancashire coach, Bobby Simpson, who today announced his departure from Lancashire at the end of the season, nominates the prolific Darren Lehmann as a particular threat.

"Lehmann is in the middle of a terrific run at the moment and we must take our chances against him," Simpson stressed.

Neil Fairbrother (calf) and Peter Martin (shin) are injury worries for Lancashire but Simpson's other concern is the weather. "It would be nice to get a couple of dry days," he reasoned. "It should be a terrific match and I just hope the weather allows us to have four days of good cricket.

Leicestershire travel to Taunton to play second-placed Somerset. James Ormond returns, but Dakin (side strain) Phil DeFreitas (foot) are ruled out.

Matthew Wood is called into the Somerset side at the expense of out of form opener Piran Holloway, and captain, Jamie Cox is looking for a top performance against a side he rates highly.

"They are a good, well-balanced side," Cox said. "I think they are one of the best teams around so it will be tough."

In Division Two Warwickshire, buoyed by their dramatic victory over Nottinghamshire, will have to endure the long journey to Southampton, where they clash with Hampshire.

Robin Smith and Dimitri Mascarenhas return to boost the host's side.

© CricInfo