Alex started for Chelsea last weekend while Ivanovic was benched, somehow, I don't think Alex is a realistic option.
Bonucci instead of Alex and I think you have your squad.
Alex started for Chelsea last weekend while Ivanovic was benched, somehow, I don't think Alex is a realistic option.
Bonucci instead of Alex and I think you have your squad.
It was reported before the game that Branislav was not 100% ready so Alex started alongside Terry. Still, if both Ivanovic and David Luiz are available, I think Alex will be 4th choice CB for AVB...
"Romelu Lukaku could be in the squad but Daniel Sturridge is suspended, David Luiz is out, Branislav Ivanovic is doubtful and Michael Essien is long-term injured."
The team looks like an improvement on last year. But I don't think Inter will lose BOTH Eto and Sneijder. In fact, they are more likely to lose Eto. But they will use the money to get Tevez AND Forlan. They are still a strong team and stronger than us. Milan is the strongest. Napoli still look fairly strong and they have continuity from last season.
The key differences are that:
1) We are better compared to last season
2) No European distractions
3) Our weakest area was defense and we conceded more goals at home than any other side in Serie A - FACT. Lichsteiner, Alex and Ziegler should help......and of course......
4) New Stadium. This is not to be underestimated! Season tickets are up more than 50% compared to last year....and we had one of the worst home records last season.
The team is good enough for a top 4.....a top 3 is going to be the challenge.
16 more days to end of the window. Marotta got another 2 signings to complete and a lot of selling to do but somehow we haven't been close to any of those for the past week. Hopefully something happens this week.
Good luck with that. I doubt many teams want our trash! It's going to be hard selling the likes of Amauri, Martinez, Iaquinta, Motta, and even Pepe. I think even getting them to accept loan deals, or getting clubs who would want them on loan might be challenging!