The season kicks-off at Stamford Bridge then, with Ancelotti taking his Premier League bow by ‘entertaining’ Phil Brown’s Hull.
No real shocks with the team news from this one. Ivanovic – a risky fantasy selection, turned out to be a risk too far. He is dropped to the bench with Bosingwa starting at right-back for the home side. There’s no Ballack either, as Malouda keeps a starting role and Mikel starts in the holding role. As for Hull, Brown starts with news signings Olofinjana and Hunt, while Steven Mouyokolo also gets a first start for the Tigers at right-back. Ghilas is on the bench, while Altidore misses out on his debut due to work permit delays.
A comfortable home win with decent fantasy returns at both ends is expected here. Surely we’re not going to start the season with a shock? Our live chat room is now open for today’s ‘Dugout Discussion’, offering real-time consolation should Lampard draw a blank.