Yorkshire are looking for revenge as they come up against Somerset in the new round of CricInfo Championship games.

Yorkshire have a 24 point lead in Division One, but were soundly beaten by Somerset in their previous encounter this season and know that a repeat performance would let in their rivals.

"We're 24 points clear but we all know there's a long way to go," Yorkshire coach Arnie Sidebottom said. "Surrey and Lancashire are second and third, and we still have to play them home and away."

Silverwood and Sidebottom are both missing for Yorkshire, but Hoggard returns from England duty for the game. Paul Hutchison and Steve Kirby, who made such a dramatic debut last week with 7-50 against Kent, will also play.

"Yorkshire are sitting on top and everyone wants to knock them off. They're a good side and they don't sit on top for nothing," rival captain Jamie Cox admitted.

Matthew Bulbeck is unlikely to play for Somerset, but young batsman, Matthew Wood is set to make his debut.

Surrey and Essex play at Ilford, with Keith Medlycott in confident mood: " We're starting to come into form as a side," the Surrey coach remarked.

Essex captain, Ronnie Irani, knows his team are in for a tough few days: "Surrey are a very competitive, top team, and on a bit of a roll. We've had a bit of a lull," he admitted.

Paul Pritchard is out for the hosts with a back problem.

Kent are unchanged at Maidstone, while Glamorgan have brought Alex Wharf and Simon Jones into the team. "A win would start to put us into contention so it's a pretty critical game for us," Glamorgan coach Jeff Hammond said.

Phil DeFreitas returns for Leicestershire against Northamptonshire at Grace Road, but team-mate Aftab Habib is still a doubt.

In the second Division Robin Weston has the chance of a first team game for Middlesex with Owais Shah away on England duty. Captain Angus Fraser also returns for the game against Hampshire at Southgate.

"We've lost Shah and they've lost Mullally," Middlesex coach John Emburey reasoned, "they're two key players, but the two sides are evenly matched.

"I expect the wicket to be reasonably dry, and therefore it might take spin later in the game. I think it'll come down to a duel between Tufnell and Udal."

Irfan Shah and Chris Tremlett could make their debuts for Hampshire.

Good news for England comes with the news that Ashley Giles will play for Warwickshire in their game with local rivals Worcestershire, at New Road. Paul Pollard returns for the hosts.

Jon Lewis is rated as 50-50 for Gloucestershire, who meet Durham at home. Durham's Neil Killeen has an ankle problem that will keep him out of contention.

Derbyshire are expected to make three changes for their game against Sussex at Arundel. Tom Lungley, Nathan Dumelow and Richard Illingworth are likely to be replaced by Trevor Smith, Adrian Pierson and Lian Wharton.

Robin Martin-Jenkins has failed a fitness test and will not play for Sussex.

© CricInfo