Our favourite clubs have been building up our anticipation to the upcoming season with fresh new kits being released, new managers being announced and the ongoing transfer gossip with the hopes of signing the players that we as fans want to see in our respective team’s colours.
We take a closer look at some of the eye-catching pre-season friendlies that could possibly make us some extra cash.
Betting available closer to kick-off at www.hollywoodbets.net
Saturday 24 July
Borussia Dortmund vs Athletic Bilbao (16:00)
Borussia Dortmund and Athletic Bilbao will square off in St. Gallen, Switzerland on Saturday afternoon. Erling Haaland’s next destination has been discussed thoroughly during the transfer window, but for now, the towering Norwegian striker seems to be staying put as he reunites with his former Salzburg manager Marco Rose.
Bilbao suffered a 2-1 defeat to their Swiss pre-season hosts St. Gallen last week, so you get the feeling that the Spaniards are in for an uphill battle. Take Dortmund to maintain their 100% winning record against Bilbao.
Fenerbahce vs Udinese (17:00)
Mesut Ozil will look to create a telepathic understanding with Fenerbahce’s marquee signing, Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta from Aston Villa who was brought in to replace the departing Papiss Cisse after just one season with the Yellow Canaries, while former Tottenham defender Steven Caulker was brought in to solidify the rear guard.
Udinese lost a host of quality players, most notably midfielder Rodrigo de Paul to La Liga champions Atletico Madrid. The Italian club have quality in their ranks but the match comes too soon after Euro 2020 for a few key players. Back Fenerbahce to win.
Trabzonspor vs Istanbul Basaksehir (18:00)
Two Turkish Super Lig clubs meet at the TFF Riva Facility to fine tune their tactics for the new season in which both intend to improve on mediocre 2020/21 campaigns. Only three clubs finished higher than Trabzonspor in the league and the acquisitions of Marek Hamsik and Gervinho will definitely help their chances of climbing higher on the log standings.
Istanbul Basaksehir begun last season in the UEFA Champions League with PSG, Man United and Leipzig. This time around there’s no continental football after finishing in 11th place.
On recent form, you’d be tempted to back Trabzonspor for the win, however, I suggest taking Over 2.5 Goals.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Genoa (19:00)
Paris Saint-Germain have made their intentions clear. The Parisians need to reclaim their French Ligue title from Lille and continue their relentless pursuit of UEFA Champions League glory.
To be honest, the players that Mauricio Pochettino has strengthened his squad with is frightening; goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, defensive reinforcements in modern-day legend Sergio Ramos, Portugal international Danilo Pereira, Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan and the former heartbeat of Liverpool’s midfield Georginio Wijnaldum.
Take PSG confidently on the (-1) Handicap.
Sunday 25 July
Feyenoord vs PAOK (14:30)
Feyenoord face Kosovo Superliga champions Drita over two legs in UEFA Conference League action either side of this friendly. This match could serve up a possible banana skin for the Dutch side who have also lost key members of the squad, including wingers Steven Berghuis and Luciano Narsingh.
PAOK are preparing for the upcoming season in the Netherlands and after promising displays against PSV Eindhoven and Heracles, the Greek club will aim for a positive result against Feyenoord before jetting off.
My money is on the underdogs PAOK, but if you’re not as confident, try the visitors on the Win/Draw Double Chance.
Monday 26 July
Arsenal vs Inter Milan (00:00)
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal is beginning to take shape as the Gunners continue to bolster their ranks. Central defender Ben White is expected to join the London outfit next week, while left-back Nuno Tavares and Belgian midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga have already been announced.
Personally, I can’t wait to see Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka simultaneously bursting down both flanks, but we’ll have to wait a little longer as Saka is enjoying a much-needed rest after a gruelling schedule.
Inter Milan come into this Florida Cup semi-final clash without their influential manager Antonio Conte who ended Juventus’ reign in the Italian Serie A last season. With Conte gone, the new boss Simone Inzaghi will need time to share his ideas with the players.
Turkish playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu was the topic of much discussion after moving over from crosstown rivals AC Milan, while the departures of Achraf Hakimi, Matteo Politano and Ashley Young will surely destabilize the winning formula that Conte built.
Danish captain Christian Eriksen will not return to Milan just yet and the likes of Lautaro Martinez and former Gunner Alexis Sanchez have just begun their two weeks of holidays after the 2021 Copa America tournament. My money is firmly on the Arsenal.
Written by Bryan Naicker