Gold trail could become cluttered for Yorkshire's squash stars

And with strong parings in all three doubles events as well as Harrogate's Jenny Duncalf being seeded No 2 in the women's event, there is an outside chance that England could even return with five golds.

While Malaysia's undisputed world No 1 in the women's game Nicol David might prove a stumbling block yet again for Duncalf, there is a very real possibility that no other nation will get a look in when it comes to medals in the men's event.

With Sheffield's Matthew seeded at No 1 and Willstrop next in line, England's other two players – Peter Barker and Daryl Shelby – make up the top four places.

The main threat to an English clean sweep will come from Australia, with former world No 1 David Palmer, still regarded as a force in the world game, seeded five with team-mates Cameron Pilley and Stewart Boswell close behind.

As top seeds both Matthew and Willstrop have been given a bye in the first round, but will play their second round matches on Monday against opponents who should pose few problems, particularly as they will have played their first round matches earlier in the day.

For 27-year-old Willstrop the event has come at the right time. Recently elevated up to No 4 in the world rankings, the Leeds man goes into the event in top form, only being denied the British Grand Prix title in Manchester this month by the scintillating form of world No 1 Ramy Ashour in the final.

Seeded in the bottom half of the draw Willstrop should – barring an unlikely mishap en route – meet up with Matthew for what should prove to be a thrilling final.

"We (the English Squash and Racketball Association) have had this targeted for some time – it's one of the major events on the squash calendar," said Willstrop, who has suffered no recurrence of the ankle injury which required him to have surgery in the summer of 2009.

"It's very much on a par with the world team championships because of the event's high profile and the prestige that comes with that. It's also very important for our funding.

"There are a few key nations missing like Egypt and France who have a number of players in the top 10 but, despite that, the standard is very good and like any of the major tour events we play throughout the year.

"I'm feeling pretty good about my form and despite losing in the final in Manchester I try to put it into perspective by remembering that I did actually get to the final in a major event and that's pretty good in itself."

Matthew defeated Willstrop in the quarter-finals in Melbourne four years before being losing in the semi-final to eventual winner Peter Nicol and then being denied a bronze medal by fellow Yorkshireman Lee Beachill.

Spending three months as world No 1 - before being replaced by Ashour last month - has given Matthew an added determination and he sees no reason why England's men can take all three medals.

"It wouldn't be a total surprise if we came back with all three medals, but it won't be easy as there are a lot of good players in Delhi," said Matthew.

The arrival of the Commonwealth Games in the calendar has given both Matthew and Willstrop the chance to try out a form of squash alien to most players – the doubles.

Matthew, who lost in the quarters four years ago with Willstrop, this time teams up with Adrian Grant while Willstrop bypasses the men's to join Duncalf in the mixed doubles.

When partnering Vicky Botwright in the event in Melbourne, Willstrop picked up a silver medal.

Duncalf, whose main obstacle to the final will be fellow Englishwoman Alison Waters, will partner her potential last four opponent in the women's doubles. With the singles events finishing on Friday, the pool stages of the doubles will get underway the following day.