A traditional Glasgow derby has added significance as both sides are in contention for the inaugural Western Premier Division title. Clydesdale have recovered from their opening-day defeat at Dumfries with two victories but last week's clash with Drumpellier was one of two the Titwood club have lost to the weather. In contrast, West have played all five of their scheduled fixtures and last week's triumph over Greenock was enough to take them to the top of the table.
It promises to be a close encounter, though Colin Mitchell, the Clydesdale chairman, said: "I think West go in as firm favourites after the start they have made. They look a much more disciplined and well-drilled side this season and you'd expect that under the direction of someone of John Blain's experience and expertise." Blain, the new West player-coach, has made a real difference at Hamilton Crescent, though he said: "We're happy to be where we are, but I don't think we've played all that well yet."
Making his first appearance of the season for Clydesdale is Sam Page, the Scotland Under-19 all-rounder who has recovered from ankle ligament damage. West are unchanged.
Drumpellier v Dumfries
The hosts seek a first win while Dumfries aim to bounce back from a first defeat. The Coatbridge club, hit harder than any other by the rain, have completed just two matches so far and their captain Graeme McLaren believes his side will take out their frustrations on someone. The weather could again be the winner at Langloan, though.
Greenock v Stirling County
Both teams, hovering near the wrong end of the table, are desperate to get back on track. Greenock are looking for a more solid batting display and will give a late test to their Saltires player Richie Berrington, who has a broken finger. A fit Berrington would make a huge difference to their cause. Stirling, who expect to be at full strength, want a more resolute performance from their batsmen.
Uddingston v Ayr
Having sent Dumfries tumbling to their first defeat of the season, Uddingston are determined to state their case as genuine title contenders by putting together a run of victories. They expect a stern test from an Ayr side benefiting from the recently-arrived South African professional Craig Thyssen, but whose home-grown youngsters are also contributing impressively to the cause. Uddingston welcome back three regulars who missed the trip to Dumfries. Ayr are still without Callum McLaughlin, but Dave Pinder may keep his place in the starting line-up following a successful debut last week.
EASTERN PREMIER DIVISION
Forfarshire v Carlton
The all-rounder Umair Mohammed expects to experience mixed emotions when he returns to Forthill for the first time since his switch from Forfarshire to Carlton. He made the move because of work commitments as a dentist in Edinburgh and he said: "Broughty Ferry is where cricket started for me; I was connected to the place for 20 years or so and it will always have a place in my heart. Many of my closest friends will be in the Forfarshire line-up. They will play hard and we will play hard and then we will have a laugh in the clubhouse afterwards.
" Leaving Forthill was a very hard decision to make, but it had to be done to fit in with my work. I live just round the corner from Grange Loan, so it makes it much easier for me to train and work hard on my game."
Aberdeenshire v Stoneywood-Dyce
Seldom have Stoneywood-Dyce gone into battle with their neighbours with a justifiable expectation of winning, but that is the case at Mannofield today. The home side have struggled after a bright start to the season, while Dyce have taken several notable scalps. The biggest threat to Aberdeenshire will be their former pro Jan Stander – he has been in top form with bat and ball – but the visitors possess much more in their armoury than the out-of-favour Scotland man.
Arbroath v Watsonians
Arbroath expect to have young Ross McLean back from an ankle injury as they seek to end their losing run, which has been in stark contrast to their exploits of a year ago.
Heriot's v Grange
Another derby at Goldenacre brings together two sides who have been ini fine form. The depth of the Grange batting and the variety of their attack should be enough to take the points back to Raeburn Place.
DIVISION 1
east West Lothian will be without their influential player-coach Kruger van Wyk for the rest of their campaign after he headed for the Caribbean to play for New Zealand in the Test series against the West Indies. The Boghall side are likely to miss him today when they play host to Penicuik.
Andy Raven, a club spokesman, said: "The club are proud of what Kruger has been achieving with the Black Caps and, even when he is absent, his input will be valuable. We believe our attack is strong enough to dismiss any team in the league." Youngster Gus McNab has earned promotion to the senior XI in the wake of van Wyk's departure.
Freuchie should be too strong at home for Corstorphine, though SMRH could have more joy when they also travel to Fife to face Falkland. Fauldhouse should have enough to take care of Edinburgh Accies.
west Ferguslie should maintain their impressive run at Stenhousemuir, but the other three games – Poloc take on Renfrew at Shawholm, while Kelburne and East Kilbride welcome Prestwick and Weirs respectively – are much more difficult to call.
