CLUB FRIENDLIES PREVIEW: Milan face Real Madrid, PSV host Augsburg, Juventus visit Barca and more!

Saturday 22 July

Anderlecht 46/10 | Draw 51/20 | Ajax 6/10 (13:30)

I know that so-called ‘prep’ games often end in absolute goal fests…but if ever there was one that looked to be just that, it’s this one. Neither side have played a game so far during this early period without both scoring a goal and conceding. Both Teams To Score should be piled into here.

PSV 1/1 | Draw 43/20 | Augsburg 47/20 (15:00)

PSV have had a rather interesting pre-season; I don’t think they have begun to hit their straps yet but losing Xavi Simons to PSG won’t make it any easier going forward… Augsburg are a pretty awkward side to play against anyway, so I’m going to favour the draw here.

Arsenal 1/1 | Draw 19/10 | Manchester United 26/10 (23:00)

A wise man once said that there is no such thing as a friendly game. If you take that a step further, I will say with these two managers at the helm ‘friendly’ isn’t even something said in the prep for this game. Of course, the teams might see wholesale changes, but not only is it a test against an old foe, it’s a chance for those players on the fringe to make a mark. I think both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals seem the right pick.

Sunday 23 July

Barcelona 19/20 | Draw 21/10 | Juventus 26/10 (04:30)

I know it’s still early, but am I the only one who doesn’t really see Juventus as the Italians giants they were just a few seasons ago? You look at Barcelona and the youth they are bringing into the team at the moment, there aren’t any doubts around their continued success… Back the Spanish champions here.

Leicester City 26/10 | Draw 32/10 | Tottenham 13/20 (12:00)

I still haven’t gotten used to the idea of Leicester in the Championship. It really is a horrible fall from grace, and to be fair I’m not sure it’s as easy as saying ‘they’ll be back in no time’. Tottenham will want to build as much confidence as possible going into their new campaign with a new manager – however, I suspect the uncertainty around Harry Kane won’t be helping anyone… Back the Foxes on the Win/Draw Double Chance.

Monday 24 July

Real Madrid 4/10 | Draw 44/10 | AC Milan 48/10 (04:00)

Madrid is another side who look to have the right sort of young talent to ensure future (continued) competitiveness. They will be interesting to watch this season, but I suspect a lot depends on their interconnectivity. AC Milan come off of a really good season in Europe but left a bit to be desired in Italy. I don’t think they win here though…