Planet Sport

Edinburgh suffers blow to win the David Lloyd 1872 Cup as goalkeeper Chris Paterson fails to recover from injury.

The Scotland full-back missed the Heineken Cup defeat at Wasps just over a week ago with a rib problem and will be replaced again by understudy Hugo Southwell for the Magners League clash.

Paterson has been joined on the sidelines by wing Mark Robertson (calf), with John Houston drafted in for his second start of the season.

Marc Teague (head knock) and long-term casualty David Callam (hip) are in sidelined as well.

Also making his second start of the campaign is prop Gavin Kerr, one of for changes to the side.

Hooker Ross Ford has recovered from the rib sprain which ruled him out against Wasps, while flanker Ross Rennie also comes back into the side.

Prop Geoff Cross faces a late fitness test on an ankle knock to determine whether or not he will be named amongst the replacements.

Friday's match at Murrayfield is expected o be played in front of a record crowd for a Magners League game in Scotland.

Edinburgh captain Mike Blair said: "Everyone is excited about the prospect of playing in front of a record crowd for an Edinburgh game.

"Derbies always create a special atmosphere and this match should prove to be a memorable event; the perfect way to finish 2008.

"Obviously, last season we didn't manage to win the 1872 Cup, so we will be determined to bring the trophy back to Edinburgh this time around."

The second leg of the 1872 Cup will be played at Firhill on January 2, with the side with the highest aggregate score taking the trophy.