We predicted that Somerset would finally end their wait to win their first Championship last season. We were wrong. Can County Cricket's perenniel bridesmaids conquer history in 2012? They even finished second on a solo trip to the South Pole.
Strengths
The arrival of Vernon Philander as the overseas player - even if it is only until May - could prove inspired if his spectacular introduction to Test cricket is anything to go by. Then there is the small matter of run machine Marcus Trescothick - the best batsman and the rosiest cheeks in County Cricket. Chuck in the supremely talented James Hildreth, Jos Buttler, Craig Kieswetter and Lewis Gregory and Somerset have the nucleus of a very strong and exciting side.
Weaknesses
After so many near misses in all of the domestic competitions over the last three seasons, one has to wonder if Somerset have enough of the killer instinct to win trophies. Some of the younger players have been too inconsistent in the Championship and when Philander departs will the bowling attack left behind be strong enough to win enough matches to claim the title? They are also likely to lose Buttler and Kieswetter to England for limite overs internationals.
Main man
In the last five seasons, Marcus Trescothick has scored close to 7500 runs in the Championship at an average of 64 with 25 hundreds to usurp Mark Ramprakash as the outstanding batsman in County Cricket. If Somerset are to challenge they will need more of the same from their captain.
Look out for
Confusion if Somerset actually manage to win anything. Who would they throw the bouquet to having finally become the bride?
Prediction
5th - Philander and Trescothick could give them a flying start, but once the South African leaves who other than Steve Kirby is going to take a regular supply of wickets?
Where next?
Read our Division 1 previews: Durham, Lancashire, Middlesex, Notts, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Warwickshire and Worcestershire
Division 2 previews: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Northants and Yorkshire
2011 County Cricket Review: including Heroes of the Season, Best and Worst XIs, and a whole host of other nonsense
County Cricket 2011 Heroes: Marcus Trescothick
Vernon Philander joins the great Victorians
County Championship 2011 Preview - Somerset
Check out all our Reverse Sweep cricket heroes and zeroes
If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep
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