Fabio Capello jets in to Heathrow on Friday ahead of his first day as England manager with just enough time to take in the third round of the FA Cup.
The Italian, who starts his new role at Soho Square on Monday, is expected to take in a number of FA Cup games this week as he looks at some of the potential names on his team sheet for the game against Switzerland in February.
It is thought that on Saturday, Capello’s game of choice will be Aston Villa’s meeting with Manchester United.
With Gareth Barry, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and Scott Carson on show for the home side against Wayne Rooney, Owen Hargreaves, Wes Brown Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick in the United line-up, Capello will get to see a considerable number of the players who may well make up his first England squad.
But Capello may also opt for the game at Upton Park, as Dean Ashton, Rob Green and Anton Ferdinand of West Ham face Manchester City starlet Micah Richards.
Capello will also be able to take in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup in mid-week, with the North London derby between Theo Walcott’s Arsenal and a Tottenham side containing Jermain Defoe, Darren Bent, Paul Robinson and Ledley King talking place on Wednesday.
24 hours prior, Everton and Chelsea do battle with John Terry, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Joleon Lescott and Phil Neville all looking to impress the new national team boss.
And just to help Fabio, we’re happy to give him perhaps the most important phrase that anyone will ever need at a British football ground:
“Posso avere un pollo balti torta?” – “Can I have a chicken balti pie?” (although this may change to “Posso avere un gambero panino?” – “Can I have a prawn sandwich?” at certain grounds!)
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