And it neither begins nor ends there.
Sep 13: Everton (H)
Sep 17: Lokomotiv Plovdiv (A)
Sep 22: Leyton Orient/Plymouth Argyle (A)
Sep 24: Botosani/Shkendija (A)
Sep 27: Newcastle (H)
Sep 29/30: EFL Cup Fourth Round
Oct 1: Europa League Play-off Round
Oct 3: Manchester United (A)
Hopefully the United date is pushed to Sunday 10/4 when the TV spots are picked, but still.
I don't know if anyone has a deep enough squad to survive that but we certainly don't. We have one recognized center forward.
I never get some of the fitness issues people bring up with football players as I find they are always overblown. I realize that playing too much increases injury chances but these are supposedly world class athletes playing an extra game in the week, especially against weak opposition shouldn't be that big of deal, but everyone media/fans seems to be losing their minds over it so I guess there must be something to it.
I don't see why we can't play our 1st team squad against Everton, send our "2nd team" to Bulgaria with subs like Hart, White, CCV, Fernandes, Clarke, Rose, Foyth (if they are still here), and maybe one or two senior players. Then play a mix of senior/youth players with the 2nd team as subs against LO/Plymouth. That shouldn't be too hard on anyone. Especially as we should be able to take care of the League Cup match without over extending ourselves.
This is assuming guys like GLC and Tanganga are back to play and that we sign a striker and probably a CB if we sell Foyth,
Its not ideal but we should be able to handle it with any major issues.