With the game against Hull City in sight and a mid-week international break hindering preparations, the few players who didn’t travel with their country were out at Cobham with a light session on Tuesday. Final part of preparation will get Underway on Friday when the traveling party is back from their National duties.
There are no major injuries except Tomas Kalas, who is out with a foot injury before the squad traveled to America for the second part of pre-season tour. Juan Mata was out with a knock in pre season and wasn’t risked, but is expected to be back for the weekend game against Hull.
The starting line-up will depend on how international players are used during their duties this week, because the manager will want to avoid signs of tiredness and jet lag in his starting XI.
Possible Starting XI:
With Fernando Torres not on international duty, I expect him to start in attack ahead of Romelu Lukaku and Demba Ba.
Michael Essien and Ramires should play in front of a back four of John Terry, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic and Ashley Cole.
Eden Hazard, Oscar and Mata will likely fill in behind the lone Striker.
Starting XI: 4-2-3-1: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole, Essien, Ramires, Hazard, Oscar, Mata and Torres
Transfer Update:
The search for a CF is still on, as the pursuit of Wayne Rooney will go down to the wire. The manager has made it clear he has not given up on Rooney. Rumours have also linked Eto’o as a possible alternative if Manchester United refuse to sell Rooney.
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