Which of the big English sides has the best second string side?
Arsenal starting XI: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Wilshere; Walcott, Ozil, Cazorla; Giroud.
The Gunners’ lack of depth throughout the whole squad is somewhat exposed here, as despite some genuine class in players such as Thomas Vermaelen, Aaron Ramsey and Lukas Podolski, there are also some gaps that need to be plugged.
An injury to Olivier Giroud in attack would leave the side with only Nicklas Bendtner or Yaya Sanogo, whilst Mathieu Flamini has been included at right-back because of a lack of options.
Chelsea starting XI: Cech; Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole; Ramires, Lampard; Hazard, Oscar, Mata; Torres.
There is some discrepancy here because as yet manager Jose Mourinho seems reluctant to play Juan Mata and David Luiz, but as the 50-year-old insists they are in the plans they have been included in the starting XI.
Other than perhaps youngster Tomas Kalas – who impressed last year at Vitesse Arnhem anyway – this is a team of regular international stars. There is a very strong second string side at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool starting XI: Mignolet; Johnson, Agger, Sakho, Cissokho; Lucas, Gerrard; Moses, Coutinho, Suarez; Sturridge.
It’s a fairly average second string in all honesty, with Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson in midfield adding solid reinforcement but little else.
Luis Enrique is being utilised at left midfield due to a lack of substance in the middle of the park for the Reds, although the Spaniard did operate there for some of last season. Generally uninrpiring although central defence is strong.
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