Impact Sanchez had missed an earlier friendly against Tottenham due to a minor issue, one new coach Xabi Alonso described as being assessed day by day rather than risked unnecessarily, and his return to the starting lineup is a positive sign after that injury scare. The goalkeeper's shot-stopping and command of his box made him the primary choice ahead of Filip Jorgensen for most of last season, finishing with nine clean sheets across 35 Premier League appearances, and this outing offers him a chance to fend off growing competition from Mike Penders. Sanchez is expected to continue building toward full match sharpness as preseason progresses.
AUGUST 5 • ROTOWIRE




