The 11th round of the County Championship will get underway this week, with crucial games taking place across both divisions. Here's Wisden's view of the best odds to back.
This year's Championship is getting down to its crux point, with only one more month remaining in the competition. Last week's fixtures saw Surrey extend their lead at the top of the Division One table, while Division Two leaders Sussex lost to third-placed Yorkshire. With only three rounds after this one finishes, there's a lot to play for.
Division One: Who will win?
Having won their game against ninth-placed Lancashire at The Oval last week, Surrey face a similar challenge travelling to Trent Bridge to face eighth-placed Nottinghamshire. While without their England Test stars in stand-in captain Ollie Pope, Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson, Surrey's strength in depth means they haven't faltered in their absence. They're overwhelming favourites to win that clash.
A better match to keep an eye on would be Somerset vs Durham at Taunton. While Somerset sit second in the table, 35 points adrift of Surrey, they were unable to force a result against Warwickshire last week, while Durham thrashed Nottinghamshire by an innings and 17 runs, with some brilliant performances from Alex Lees, Neil Wagner and Daniel Hogg. With their aggressive style, they could spring a surprise over Somerset. If Durham win that match, Stake are offering a 2.3 return on ever pound betted.
Of the other games, Essex vs Worcestershire is probably the best odds to back, with Worcestershire ranked at 2.35 for the win despite beating Kent convincingly in the last round. Of the others, Hampshire are expected to outgun Lancashire while Warwickshire should overpower relegation favourites Kent. If they do so, Stake are offering a return of 2.35 on every pound betted.
Division Two: Who will win?
The Division Two odds are closer, with several interesting clashes. Mid-table Leicestershire and Glamorgan will come together, both without a win in the last round. A bet on Glamorgan with Stake would have the best returns at 1.95 with Stake.
The best bet, however, would be in Middlesex's fixture against Yorkshire, who are ranked second and third in the table respectively. Both recorded victories in the last round of action and both are chasing promotion. A bet on Middlesex for that fixture would return 2.08 per pound with Stake.
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