There's still a bit of paper talk that we're still after one or two more signings, but I think it's fair to say that we know who the crux of the side will be for the new season.
Unless there's a new right back, the defence pretty much picks itself at the moment, particularly while Aurelio continues his recovery.
The left wing is going to be interesting - will Rafa kick off with Kewell and try and keep Babel hungry, or does he start with his new investment and bank on Harry staying fit enough to contribute? My money is on him starting with Kewell, and bring Babel through gradually with subs appearances.
Pennant's going into the new season pretty much unchallenged on the right wing, and probably with a bit more confidence that Gerrard's a back-up option out there as opposed to a preference.
It's actually quite refreshing to start the season being 99% sure where Gerrard will be playing. It's him alongside Alonso or Mascherano all the way for me for the opening game. Good to see Sissoko in form in pre-season though - injuries will hit us in the middle of the park, and it'd be great to have seamless substitutions instead of the real drop off in quality that he and Zenden at times provided.
Up front is going to be seriously interesting. Against pretty much everyone's gut instinct, Voronin has emerged in the few games we've seen him as a genuine option for the first 11, and to be honest that's nothing but brilliant news for the club to know that we are genuinely competitive in the squad up there. Realistically though, it's Torres partnering either Kuyt or Crouch all the way. I'd personally go with Crouch, but seeing as though Robbie started against Sheffield Utd at the beginning of last season, it'd be foolish to assume that whoever starts will have a divine right to the spot for the following fixture.
My XI then:
Reina
Finnan Carra Agger Riise
Pennant Gerrard Alonso Kewell
Torres
Crouch
In other news, Sorenson's a serious doubt in goal for Villa, while Luke Moore is looking likely to start for them after a hat-trick in a friendly in Toronto last week.
Bring it the f*ck on.
