Leaders Uddingston have the chance to inflict a third consecutive defeat on champions Clydesdale in the day’s most eye-catching fixture.

The match sees Uddingston play at Bothwell Castle Policies for the first time in the league and skipper Bryan Clarke declared: “We’re delighted to finally get to play at our own ground and it’s a bonus that we’re going into the game as league leaders.

“Things have gone really well for us over the last couple of weeks. I don’t think we’ve been at our best yet but we are beginning to show what we are capable of.

“We’re not judging Clydesdale after last weekend when they were without Richie (Berrington).

“For me, they’ll be strong and, if anything, even more determined to get back on track.

“I think everyone recognises this will be the most competitive season since the return of the Union. Every week there seems to be big games and it really does feel like a good competition.”

Today’s match marks the beginning of a potentially season-defining spell for Clydesdale who host Carlton in the Scottish Cup tomorrow (Sun) before a crucial local derby against Poloc next Saturday.

The Titwood side welcome back Scotland duo Richie Berrington and Con de Lange who featured in Sunday’s historic win over Sri Lanka and spokesman Colin Mitchell said: “When international players return the rest of the guys feed off it – especially when they’ve been involved in something as special as last week.

“Richie is in the form of his life and is highly motivated in every game.

“I’m not particularly surprised to see Uddingston at the top as, along with Poloc, I think they have the strongest squad in the division so our next two league games will bring some real challenges as will the cup tie against national champions Carlton.”

Elsewhere Poloc and Prestwick, having lost their unbeaten records a week ago, will bid to bounce back when they clash at Shawholm.

The contest between bat and ball should be a fascinating one with the home side boasting three of the eight highest team totals so far while, in Sachin Chaudhary and Mitchell Rao, Prestwick have two of the leading wicket-takers.

Greenock, boosted by their first win back in the top flight, have home advantage against an Ayr team who are among the early contenders.

The Glenpark side, who could welcome back skipper Jonathan Hempsey from injury, have pinpointed prolific former New Zealand Test batsman Michael Papps as an obvious threat to their hopes of another win though Papps’ opening partner Neil Smith is currently out-scoring his team-mate.

Ferguslie, one of several teams who could finish the day in top spot should Uddingston slip up, are favourites to take the points from their Meikleriggs meeting with East Kilbride.

Kelburne, the only side yet to register a victory, take the trip down the M74 to face a Dumfries team looking to build on their win over Clydesdale last time out.