Essex aims for its second consecutive win as they take on Somerset at the County Cricket Ground in Chelmsford this Friday. The home team kicked off the season with a solid victory, while Somerset only managed a draw. Who will come out on top? Here’s a look at the teams’ stats and a prediction.
Essex Preview
After a challenging previous season where Essex battled relegation, they have started this season on a promising note. Their opening match saw them defeat Hampshire by an innings and 137 runs. Matthew Critchley was a standout with 173 runs, while bowlers Sam Cook and Simon Harmer each took four wickets. With this victory, Essex remains unbeaten in their last nine games across all competitions and currently sits at the top of the table with 22 points.
Essex Predicted XI
Dean Elgar, Paul Walter, Tom Westley (c), Wiaan Mulder, Matthew Critchley, Charlie Allison, Michael Pepper (wk), Simon Harmer, Shane Snater, Sam Cook, Jamie Porter.
Somerset Preview
Somerset started their season with a draw against Nottinghamshire, extending their winless streak to three matches, including the end of last season. They finished third in the table last year and will be looking to return to form quickly. Key players like captain Craig Overton, Joshua Thomas, and James Rew need to step up to push the team back to winning ways.
Somerset Predicted XI
Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Joshua Thomas, Tom Lammonby, James Rew (wk), Tom Abell, Lewis Goldsworthy, Craig Overton (c), Jack Leach, Migael Pretorius, Alfie Ogborne, Jake Ball.
Essex vs Somerset: Key Facts and Head-to-Head Stats
Essex started the season with a victory and is currently leading the table.
Somerset is winless this season, having failed to win in their last three matches.
Somerset has won seven of their last eight encounters against Essex.
Essex vs Somerset Prediction
The matchup at County Cricket Ground in Chelmsford promises to be exciting. Essex has started the season strong and recently beat Somerset in their last meeting. However, Somerset holds a favorable head-to-head record against them. While the indicators suggest a win for Essex, including home advantage, I believe Somerset may take this one. Thus, my prediction is a Somerset win at odds of 2.16 on 1xBet.