For the final time (at least for a while) we need to come humbly to the perpetual drinking well that is club friendlies! No, we don’t enjoy them, and we certainly won’t miss them – however they have done a job in the off season and so we appreciate them!
I’ve once again picked out some interesting fixtures for your perusal – have a look and have a bet!
Friday 29 July
Udinese vs Chelsea (21:00)
I must be honest; I was shocked by the scoreline and statistics which came out of the Chelsea v Arsenal game…I know I said Arteta’s men would win – but I didn’t expect it by that margin and with a degree of dominance.
To make matters worse, the comments which came from Thomas Tuchel are unnerving to say the least. Either they react here and alleviate some of the pressure building or continue to add to misery. I think they react, back them to win.
Saturday 23 July
Manchester United vs Atletico Madrid (13:45)
I think a game like this is likely to be one of the most accurate indicators of just how far Erik ten Hag has come with this side. Atletico pride themselves on defensive ability and prowess – this won’t drastically change in the off season.
United have shown a newfound appreciation for expansive football – it will be tested here but I think they win. The Red Devils have had a stellar preparation, so I have no reason to go against them here.
Tottenham vs Roma (20:15)
On paper it’s a fixture with enough bite to get your attention, of course you couple this with the fiery managers in the dugout and suddenly you realise there is no such thing as a friendly game.
Roma have struggled for consistency in their run in to the start of the season, and for that reason alone I think there is value for your money on Antonio Conte’s men.
Inter Milan vs Lyon (20:30)
As a point of departure, I think it is worth mentioning that on paper there wouldn’t be much to separate these sides recently. I don’t think Inter are the sort of side they once were, they haven’t got European pedigree which dominates the modern game and by all accounts they certainly aren’t on the cusp of dramatic success.
However, they don’t lose 5-0 to Willem II (even in pre-season). Back the Italian side to come away victorious here.
Sunday 17 July
New York RB vs Barcelona (01:00)
For what it’s worth, the financial situation at Barcelona (as understood and reported by the media) is absolutely appalling. How can a club continue to purchase players costing serious amounts without paying the players bound to their club by contract?
I don’t want to jump onto the bandwagon and start assuming – but surely something is done?
Anyway, the Spanish giants are simply a better side, and I can’t find a reason for them losing – although I wish I could.
Real Madrid vs Juventus (04:00)
This is a spicy old game; Juventus haven’t yet met anyone of real value or quality in their pre-season canter – but Real Madrid should at the very least come close to putting up a greater fight than what has been the case thus far.
Juventus have been shrewd with their business and now boast a balanced squad. Madrid have been a little placid and look to only now beginning to find their rhythm. I think the Italian side win.
Marseille vs AC Milan (18:00)
You won’t find much to get excited about here in fairness, neither side have really begun hitting their straps and their recent form makes for grim reading. The one point of consistency floating around these two sides however is their inability to keep a clean sheet.
So, at the risk of simplifying this to a pulp – let’s go with both teams scoring.
Galatasaray vs Fiorentina (19:00)
I must say, looking a little deeper into the results and performances for Fiorentina for the purposes of this article – I’ve been remotely impressed with them. they are unbeaten, they’ve scored a load of goals and (no they haven’t played anyone with too much substance) oh did I mention they are unbeaten!
I think Galatasaray might need this sort of game more than their opponents so I’m all over Fiorentina.
Liverpool vs Strasbourg (20:30)
I suppose my colleagues inside the Hollywoodbets Headquarter building will agree with me when I say that Liverpool needed the thrashing they received at the hands of Manchester United!
Since being humbled by Ten Hag’s men, the Reds have looked more like themselves. Their fancy striker is scoring goals and they look to suffocating teams with their press and pace again! It’s awesome to see…I think they win here btw.
