Essex among favourites to take honours

PIcking a winner of Division Two is arguably more difficult than finding the champions of Division One. Those relegated from the top flight will want to bounce back while the rest will be doing their utmost to get out.

Here's a preview of the teams involved, including their latest odds:

DERBYSHIRE
The arrival of Mahela Jayawardene, it is hoped, will galvanise Derbyshire into a push for promotion this season. Under the guidance of Rikki Clarke, the Sri Lanka captain will surely be given licence to do whatever he chooses, batting wherever he likes, for he is the undoubted class in their line-up. Australian Chris Rogers is no mug either but they will need to be more than the sum of their parts if they are to compete.
Odds: 14/1

ESSEX
One of the favourites for promotion, Essex will be boosted by the arrival of Jason Gallian to boost their batting line-up, while Mark Pettini will lead the side. Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria will bring much-needed guile to their attack and if they can produce some consistency then they should be there or thereabouts.
Odds: 10/3

GLAMORGAN
Having really struggled last season, the only way would appear to be up for Glamorgan but they may take a few more years to hit form. Jason Gillespie will add experience to their bowling attack, while Jamie Dalrymple is a good signing, but they look like they lack class at the moment and another tough season is in store.
Odds: 50/1

GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Jon Lewis has the difficult task of inspiring a Gloucestershire side in the championship. With Jack Russell as coach, the set-up is taking shape, but, much like Glamorgan, you just wonder where the runs are going to come from. This could be a difficult year for them.
Odds: 16/1

LEICESTERSHIRE
Leicestershire have lost the improving Stuart Broad from their ranks and no matter what they say about that, their bowling attack will be the lesser for his absence. Paul Nixon's infectious character will inspire his team-mates, and Boeta Dippenaar should enjoy his time there. Whether it will be enough for promotion, it's tough to say.
Odds: 13/2

MIDDLESEX
After narrowly missing out on promotion last season, Middlesex will not want to let the same thing happen again. The signing of India spinner Murali Kartik is a potentially good one, while it will be interesting to see what influence veteran spinner Shaun Udal has after all that time working with Shane Warne at Hampshire. However, they may find a top-two spot just beyond them this season.
Odds: 10/3

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
With South Africans Lance Klusener, Andrew Hall and Nicky Boje as their overseas players, one-day success would appear to be Northamptonshire's best chance of success this season. That trio are unlikely to fire consistently, but they have plenty of ability and when they come off, there will be fireworks. Unfortunately, I struggle to see where else their runs and wickets are likely to come from.
Odds: 10/1

WARWICKSHIRE
Relegated from Division One last year, the Darren Maddy-led side will be out for vengeance and the appointment of the much-loved Ashley Giles as coach is sure to create a good atmosphere at the club. It's not likely to produce instant results, though, and a mid-table finish is most likely, even if they will welcome the lower standards in the league.
Odds: 4/1

WORCESTERSHIRE
Vikram Solanki leads Worcestershire's hopes and they don't appear to be a bad side, on paper at least. The signing of Simon Jones could be a masterstroke, if the paceman gets himself fit and stays that way. Fidel Edwards could be one of the surprise packages, as far as overseas players goes, since his pace will frighten the life out of most county batsmen.
Odds: 6/1