It’s that time of the year where our (extremely) deep-seated appreciation for club friendlies comes to the fore and takes its place amongst our conversations, debates and betting pleasures…
Saturday 8 July
PSV | Draw | Sint-Truiden (00:00)
PSV enjoyed a consistent season last time out but will once again endeavor to begin playing football outside of their historical shadow. At the time of writing, the major news swirling around the Dutch side largely pertains to Jenson Seelt and his departure to Sunderland!
Defensively, they aren’t always the most resolute and so I think both teams scoring in a game where neither side boasts anything special in the back could be the right one.
Feyenoord | Draw | PEC Zwolle (13:00)
Feyenoord will want to go into this preparation time knowing that they have a target on their back in Holland and will have it all to do in their pursuit of defending their title!
These two sides have met a few times, PEC Zwolle have never beaten their Dutch hosts, but there are quite literally always a host of goals in this encounter! Feyenoord winning and over 2.5 goals is my pick.
Sunday 9 July
Zenit | Draw | Fenerbahce (18:30)
A lot has been made of wonderkid Arda Güler, and whilst it looks as though Barcelona have all but sealed the deal – I think the manner in which the deal has been done is fantastic. Media outlets around Europe have reported the youngster wants Fenerbahce to benefit from his departure and so whilst his release clause is suggested to be around the 17 million, a premium price is expected to land! Oh, and by the way, I think they (Fenerbahce) win.
Wednesday 12 July
Manchester United | Draw | Leeds (17:00)
Daniel Farke is reportedly on the brink of accepting the Leeds job, but whilst the manager is yet to be decided, it is difficult to see much value in the team this early in their preparation.
United have enough uncertainty of their own, however thankfully this is largely confined to the boardroom and pertains to their takeover. Erik ten Hag has been brilliant since taking over at Old Trafford and I think they win here.
Manchester United is going head to head with Leeds United starting on 12 Jul 2023 at 15:00 UTC . The match is a part of the Club Friendly Games.#MUNLEE #ManUnitedLeeds#ManchesterUnited #ManUnited #ManUtd #LeedsUnited #ClubFriendly #friendly #friendlygame #friendlymatch pic.twitter.com/21Nr9HMwFy
— Man United vs Leeds United Live Stream (@manunitedfreetv) July 4, 2023
Westfalia Rhynern | Draw | Borussia Dortmund (18:00)
Dortmund should be an intriguing side to watch in the upcoming German season, losing Jude Bellingham would have been expected but no less a bitter blow. Manchester United have also reportedly rejected Dortmund’s loan bid for Jadon Sancho…
Neither side seems to enjoy playing out to a dull affair, these two sides’ last three games have seen a combined 32 goals scored! Over 2.5 goals in what is really a first run out, no real pressure or expectation should be a banker.
Thursday 13 July
Nurnberg | Draw | Arsenal (19:00)
Arsenal begins their preparation in the aftermath of one of their more competitive seasons for a while! With Declan Rice all but complete, there is no doubt this squad is better this year.
Their style play under Mikel Arteta unashamedly makes the ball and flowing forward movement the priority. I suspect this will only be enhanced this year and in the interim – Nurnberg won’t handle them. Back the visitors.
Arsenal Players who were on international duty last month are due to arrive back on Saturday and Arsenal will then fly to Germany on Sunday for a training camp and a friendly against Nurnberg next Thursday.
— Doc (@karthikadhaigal) July 4, 2023
Players who were on international duty will be part of the squad who… pic.twitter.com/9o6B2f491V
