LANCASHIRE are aiming to condemn crisis-torn Yorkshire to the Second Division at Old Trafford this week.

The Tykes have gone from champs to chumps in spectacular style this season, failing to win any of their 11 matches to leave them marooned at the bottom of the Championship table.

Their Aussie coach Wayne Clark admits they need to win all five of their remaining fixtures to stay up -- starting with the Roses match.

But Yorkshire will cross the Pennines after another traumatic week with serious financial problems forcing the resignation of their chairman Keith Moss, and meaning that former Manchester and Preston rugby union administrator Alex Keay has had his appointment as Chief Executive scrapped.

"It could go either way," said Lancashire manager Mike Watkinson.

"Something like this could act as a distraction for their players. On the other hand they could put their waggons in a circle and be even more determined.

"As far as we are concerned, you only have to look at the table to see how important another win would be."

Lancashire suffered badly at the hands of Yorkshire last season, with a heavy defeat at Headingley followed by complete humiliation at Old Trafford, so there would be a certain satisfaction about sending them down -- even if it meant no Roses matches next season.

Yorkshire also have injury problems with Darren Gough and Steve Kirby ruled out, while Aussie skipper Darren Lehmann has gone home on international duty.

But Lehmann has been replaced by Matthew Elliott, the tall left handed opener who impressed on the 1997 Ashes Tour.

And Ryan Sidebottom also returns from a rib injury to share the new ball with Chris Silverwood.

Lancashire will not finalise their team until tomorrow morning when they know how Peter Martin has reacted to his fitness test.