really don't get the panic concern over the defence. The previous defence had mucho PL experience but was shite. Might as well try something new - it's a new team coming together after all. Lowton is obviously making a big step up, and will need people not to immediately slaughter him if he's a bit shakey whilst he gets used to the PL (9 possibly, he could be great straight off), and vlaar and clark have had some time to prepare ( indeed how nice to get the players in early enough to actually practice before the season starts unlike under MoN!)
I rate Clark and looking forward to seeing how Vlaar does whilst at least Lichaj has covered at lb before. The team is in development, but it really doesn't look that bad at all.
Anyway I'll shoot for a 2-2 opener. I think our new defence will be caught out a couple of times, and Bent and Holman for us, Ireland to have a cracker.