IT'S Gwent derby time again today with four of the county's Premier Division sides involved in matches against traditional rivals.

Improving Newbridge host a Pontypool side which has slipped recently while lowly Ebbw Vale come up against Pandy Park visitors Cross Keys, and neither game is easy to predict.

After a spell of six wins in eight games, including impressive triumphs over Aberavon, Cross Keys, Bridgend and Caerphilly, Pontypool have gone four games without a win.

Hit by injuries, they slumped at home to bottom club Llanelli (22-16) and Swansea (49-3) and away to Llandovery (50-3).

But, boosted by returning players, they gave third-placed Carmarthen Quins a real fight last week before succumbing 23-19 and today have a couple of Dragons players in their ranks.

Newbridge have gone in the opposite direction, starting the season with only one win in their first seven games but winning three and drawing two of their last six despite also being hit by injuries.

The forecast of wet weather suggests the pitch could cut up and this could favour the home side's powerful pack more and so for that reason they should make it three wins in a row.

Wet weather and a heavy ground could make life difficult for Cross Keys at Eugene Cross Park for Keys are a free-flowing side and have been heavy points scorers this season.

Ebbw Vale have an experienced pair of half backs in Byron Hayward and Gareth Betts who can adapt and that will be in their favour.

However, Keys outside half Scott Mitchell and back row pair Tyron Morris and Will Thomas will relish a return to their former club and will be sure to try to inspire them.

Both clubs will have borowed players, Keys again grateful to Newport who have loaned them hooker Garry Horrigan.

Both teams need to win, Vale to pull away from the relegation zone and Keys to avoid slipping towards it. It's likely to be close, but I take Keys to triumph.

Leaders Newport face a more uncomfortable trip to Caerphilly than anticipated.

Caerphilly were expected to be title challengers this season but have proved inconsistent.

They have lost four of their last five matches but the one win was a 31-15 home success over Aberavon, exactly the same score Newport beat the Wizards by last week.

Newport's backs dictated that result and there is no doubt that they have the ability to open up any defence in the division.

But in recent games the pack haven't fired on all cylinders, though the return of Chay Billen and Steve Martin today will provide added strength.

It's disappointing to see Bedwas one from bottom, but they, too, have been badly hit by injuries with the result that they have won won only one of their last nine games, also drawing one.

Opponents Pontypridd have lost only once at home, going down 25-6 to high-flying Neath last week.

And even Newport managed only a draw at Sardis Road after trailing 20-0. So again, I have to go for a Pontypridd win but I would be happy to be proved wrong.