Slowly but surely, we are creeping closer to the start of the domestic season – and I am getting more and more excited by the day! Teams are starting to explore and experiment their systems within contests and questions are beginning to be answered.
Take a look at some of the pre-season fixtures we have selected for your perusal – let’s ensure we continue building up those coffers for early August.
Friday 15 July
Melbourne Victory vs Manchester United (12:05)
United were horrid at the end of last season and I think this pre-season run of fixtures will be used as a yardstick against the upcoming ideas and philosophy. Erik ten Hag is clear on what he expects, and I think should his side move closer to achieving that, they win this one.
United have a better squad with exceptional players – their opposition has struggled already, and I can’t in good faith suggest the Australians win.
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace (14:35)
Palace enjoyed a usual pre-season brawl sort of football fixture against Millwall, running out 5-4 victors. Liverpool may have lost Sadio Mane this year, but their attacking threats are as dangerous as ever.
I can’t see the Reds not scoring plenty and so Liverpool to win and over 3.5 goals seem to be the right one.
Ajax vs AS Eupen (15:30)
Ajax have largely been the topic of recent conversation due to their links with Manchester United and the interest in their players…but lest we forget that this is a serious football club with a clear philosophy and culture. The more things change amongst their ranks, the more it stays the same!
They are a stronger side than their opponents and after their strong start to life after Erik – I think they win this.
Besiktas vs Mainz (18:00)
Not the easiest game to call in honesty, I think these sides are often held in the same regard on paper, but I think Mainz should be the focus here. They will likely want to have a go here and attack Besiktas with direct intent.
From a Besiktas point of view, they have scored in every game since early April and so surely both teams scoring becomes a banker? Get on!
Saturday 16 July
PSV vs Villarreal (00:00)
PSV have had a nightmare start to their early preparations. They’ve yet to win a game and given the fact that they have conceded six goals in just two games, alarm bells are surely ringing!
Villarreal will get their preparation underway on Saturday and given the high they managed to finish last season on – I suspect they come in brimming with confidence. As a point of safety, back over 3.5 goals in this one.
Tottenham vs Sevilla (13:00)
Neither side has kicked a football since the conclusion of their respective leagues concluded, and so this could be quite a balanced affair. I thought Sevilla enjoyed a positive end to an inconsistent season whilst Spurs settled in nicely under their fiery Italian boss.
The energy and environment around Tottenham now seems impenetrable and absolutely together – it’s for that reason alone I’m getting behind here (and as a quietly confident early call, expecting them to compete for silverware in their domestic season).
Cologne vs AC Milan (19:00)
AC Milan – unlike Manchester United – have managed to secure the services of their talisman for the upcoming season and avoid any unnecessary distractions around their pre-season work.
They have a superior side and I expect them to hit the proverbial ground running – back them!
Inter Milan vs Monaco (20:30)
Inter have welcomed the return of their ‘prodigal son’ and I think they are not only happier for it but also exponentially more lethal. Nevertheless, the Italian side are now just beginning their early preparation and against a spirited Monaco side I wonder how they will fair early on…
Monaco have put a game under the belt already, winning 2-0 against Portimonense and so with a bit of confidence, I think they could get a positive result here. I’m on the Monaco Win/Draw Double Chance.
Sunday 17 July
Arsenal vs Everton (01:00)
The last time these teams met was on the final day of the league, Arsenal ran out 5-1 victors with the assumption of Champions League qualification…but anyway let’s move on!
Everton are yet to play since and now without any real heavy machinery upfront, I can’t see past an Arsenal win.
Chelsea vs America (04:00)
The work Chelsea have looked to do in the window has made sense and I think fans of the London club have reason to be pleased – well except maybe about their home jersey for the season…but that’s a topic for another day.
Thomas Tuchel will no doubt use this opportunity to ensure his side is as prepared as possible for the upcoming season – and so I can’t go against the Blues here.
