The team that Phil Brown should select for the opening game of the Premier League season, any further new signings permitting...
Goalkeeper: Boaz Myhill
This is assuming he is fit. The dislocated finger he suffered before the trip to China has kept him out of all subsequent pre-season activity, but word is that he would always be ready for Stamford Bridge, and risking him in any preceding game would be futile. If not, then Matt Duke is the shoo-in replacement.
Defence: Bernard Mendy, Michael Turner, Anthony Gardner, Andy Dawson
Dawson gets the nod ahead of Kevin Kilbane just because he is a consistent, specialist left back, although the Irishman could yet feature on the left of midfield. Kamil Zayatte and Steven Mouyokolo may feel put out by their absence from the centre of defence, but ultimately Turner and Gardner (assuming Turner isn't flogged to Liverpool for eight million quid this week) have to be the first choice duo. Mendy is the biggest worry, as he is a right back with little appetite or specialism in the role, and is only the first choice because Sam Ricketts hasn't been replaced and Nathan Doyle still puts his head in the clouds too much when required to do a sturdy defensive job.
Midfield: Dean Marney, Seyi Olofinjana, George Boateng, Geovanni, Craig Fagan
It is ostensibly a five-man midfield - we are playing Chelsea away, remember - although Geovanni will be given the roaming brief which will allow him to whizz around the lone centre forward as well as add an extra body - if not an especially defensively-minded one - to the central area of the park for the 90 per cent of the game when the home side will have possession. Marney remains a frustrating talent but has the energy to graft in a game like this, and with Mendy and Fagan required elsewhere and Richard Garcia injured, it is a spot of Hobson's choice. Fagan should be picked ahead of Kilbane wide on the left simply because he has the necessary attacking instincts, if not usually any form of delivery. Boateng and Olofinjana will both have an opportunity to prove to the manager that they are the best option until Ian Ashbee returns from injury. Who goes and stays when Jimmy Bullard comes back is another matter.
Forward: Jozy Altidore
This is assuming his work permit comes in. If it doesn't, then Daniel Cousin starts, or maybe Fagan can budge forward with Kilbane or Peter Halmosi taking the left-sided role. A formation like this simply doesn't accommodate the talents of Nick Barmby, but he would be our main asset on the bench. Caleb Folan? No, no, no.
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