Our attention has once again shifted to club football! The domestic season is only four weeks away (yes, I’ve begun a countdown…) and clubs will soon once again begin their quest for perpetual football glory.
I’ve picked out a couple of friendly games where we could begin to build our coffers and even included a of couple (very) early calls.
Betting available closer to kick-off at www.hollywoodbets.net
Friday 16 July
Anderlecht
Draw
Ajax
(19:30)
It’s a coin toss of a game really, even if this was played in season. In their past five meetings, these sides have each won twice and played out a draw, but interestingly enough the fixture has never ended goalless. When it comes to having a punt on these sorts of games, the real value is usually found between the lines.
For my money, I’d suggest we look into the Double Chance + Over 1.5 market. Anderlecht/Ajax + Over 1.5.
Saturday 17 July
Paris Saint-Germain
Draw
Chambly
(11:00)
Glancing over PSG’s latest fixtures there is one glaring stat which I predict will certainly become more robust as we get into the club season – they concede a fair few goal… (14 in their last 10 games in all competitions)
It might be early for this, but as a quick side note – given the signings this PSG side have managed to put together – throwing a couple early coins at the Parisians to win the Champions League next season might be brilliantly shrewd betting….
Anyway, for this friendly encounter I would suggest backing Over 2.5 Goals. Chambly pose a threat upfront (13 goals in their last 10 games) and PSG won’t field a superstar side.
Metz 9/1
Draw 46/10
Paris Saint-Germain 2/7
(17:00)
Saturday’s feature fixture sees Metz welcome Paris Saint-Germain to the Saint-Symphorien where they last defeated the French giants when they were promoted to Ligue 1 in 2006. The Maroons, at home, have lost four games on the spin, and I have no confidence in them gaining any points against PSG. The Parisians are still in the running for all competitions and Mauricio Pochettino could defend a small score this fixture knowing his players are humans and not machines. Back PSG and Over 2.5 Goals at 8/10.
Rangers
Draw
Arsenal
(15:00)
This is a nice friendly game with just enough undercurrents to add that little bit extra to an otherwise ‘moving swiftly along’ game. Mikel Arteta returns to Ibrox since his 2003 glory, Kieran Tierney returns to Glasgow with hopefully a bit of Rangers hatred still lingering, and we could see John Lundstram in a Rangers jersey.
Rangers have played two games already (beating Partick Thistle 1-0 and then losing by the same scoreline to Tranmere Rovers) and that little extra match fitness could prove the difference.
Get on the hosts.
Feyenoord
Draw
Werder Bremen
(16:00)
In both of these sides’ friendly games so far, goals have been aplenty. Feyenoord have scored six goals in their last three games whilst Werder Bremen have scored seven.
These are two proud clubs from two proud footballing nations and whilst the game is but a friendly, you’ll know there are players who will want to certainly stick their hand up – knowing they play for two clubs that don’t have too many household names – for the season and try to earn a place in the greater squad.
I’m all in on both teams to score.
Leyton Orient
Draw
Tottenham Hotspur
(16:00)
These sides have faced each other twice in the last decade but rather noticeably, Spurs have never conceded a goal to Leyton Orient.
Tottenham will have a large number of their squad returning from holiday and available to play in these friendly games. There could be some real value in backing the Londoners to keep a clean sheet.
I’m very interested to see what Spurs look like under their new manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The Portuguese manager earned the respect of many for the work he did at Wolves, and if you are willing to put a line through his last season, I think Spurs fans have reason to be optimistic about their side actually attacking football games.
Cologne
Draw
Bayern Munich
(16:00)
The Bundesliga champions have seamlessly brought in Julian Nagelsmann to take over where Hansi Flick left off. He’ll be chomping at the bit and wanting to get going with his new side no doubt!
Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals make all of the appeal for this game. In these two sides’ last five encounters, there have been at least three goals scored in all five and both teams have scored in four of them.
Is it too early to open the provident fund account again? I don’t think so – get on!
Derby County
Draw
Manchester United
(14:00)
Hopefully we get some entertaining football on Sunday afternoon, with fans able to purchase their tickets, there’s every reason an atmosphere of sorts can be created.
United have plenty of youngsters who will want to use these pre-season friendly games as a chance to put their CV out there – or indeed earn a spot in (I suppose I have to say “arguably”) England’s greatest club.
I think the attacking options throughout United’s ranks get the pulse rate going but the Reds’ defensive depth leaves a lot to be desired. Derby haven’t got a great scoring acumen, their top scorer Colin Kazim-Richards only managing to score eight times in 38 outings…
United to win.
Written by Ryan Liberty