Another week closer to the start of the club football season (yes, I’ve started a countdown). Here’s another look at some selected fixtures to just add a little extra coinage to our ever-growing coffers!
Betting available closer to kick-off at www.hollywoodbets.net
Friday 23 July
Mainz 05 vs Liverpool (18:15)
You might be surprised to hear that the last time these sides met, the German based outfit ran out 4-0 winners. Now whilst I was less surprised – only because it was a friendly of course – Liverpool in 2016 were only a shadow of the side we have come to respect in 2021 and fondly remember from the 80’s.
We might see Jurgen Klopp give Taiwo Awoniyi a run out this week and Liverpool with a more traditional striker leading the line might be rather interesting to see. I don’t think we will see much of the Nigerian during the season proper but in the interim, I think the youngster could give the Liverpool boss something to think about.
Back the Reds to come away with a win and get their final preparation underway on a positive note – speaking of which, has anyone heard anything from Don “Mr. Value” Vere lately?
Saturday 24 July
QPR vs Manchester United (16:00)
A friendly encounter between two sides who will come away from the transfer market with a smirk at the very least. QPR has done exceptional business absolutely raiding the free agent market whilst United have seemingly finally gotten deals over the line.
United are in a position where youngsters are proving to be possibly the best in the land. Players like Jesse Lingard are once again wanting to fight and moonwalk their way into the squad, and all of this whilst also doing aggressive business in the window!
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – Put some respect on his name! United are in a good place and I reckon that positive free flowing approach continues on Saturday securing them a further preparation win and positive step toward the season.
Bayern Munich vs Ajax (16:30)
Bayern Munich come into this friendly off the back of a defeat last time out. Now whilst this is obviously no real cause for concern, the rumour mill is turning, and the comments are already starting to fly…
Julian Nagelsmann will now know (if he didn’t already) that he’s at one of the biggest clubs in world football and any negative result will always cause discomfort. He does come into the club at a time when all of their veterans have departed and the infamous ‘rebuilding phase’ might be on the horizon.
Nevertheless, with a club deep-fried in tradition and heritage one thing will remain even if everything else passes away: Bayern Munich will always be, Bayern Munich. The way they prepare, play and see football is tried and tested and will not be deviated from. Whether such an approach can truly stand the test of time remains to be seen.
For your immediate betting needs, both teams to score makes enough appeal for me.
Barcelona vs Girona (19:00)
So, Emiliano Martinez will die for Lionel Messi? And wants to do everything in his power to add to Messi’s success… what a compliment from a teammate! You can only imagine the respect, gratitude and leadership that is felt in that changeroom for a sportsman playing at such a level to identify the success of another as their driving force.
Barcelona will be something to behold in front of goal and I am one of those football fans hoping the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho stay at the Nou Camp and put together a side now with the additions of Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero. Those sorts of attacking options all under the pupilage of that which is Lionel Messi surely gets you excited?
Anyway, that’s for the season ahead. For now, I think the periphal players at Barça will have something to prove and Girona might just be the perfect platform. Back Barca to win – and for more value consult the odds on over 3.5 goals.
Sunday 25 July
Rangers vs Real Madrid (19:00)
Rangers are unbeaten in their preparation games thus far and the confidence in that side seems pulpable. I was able to see some of the extended highlights of their game against Arsenal and they just seemed to play as though Arsenal were truly the 10th placed side playing the champions.
A lot has been made about Madrid and its business so far this window, losing Sergio Ramos on a free transfer and now possibly having to see Raphael Varane leave as well, one has to wonder how long until you see Real hitting the discount rack…This is Real Madrid though, managed by Carlo Ancelotti. They have talented youngsters with a seasoned boss. Disrespect them at your peril.
In my opinion, this is a big game for Rangers. Having to go through a tough Champions League qualification beating one of Europe’s giants (even in a friendly) will do wonders for their confidence and belief going forward. Naturally they want to hear the Champions League anthem bellow around that famous ground at the Ibrox.
Get behind Gerrard and the lads!
Roma vs Debrecen (21:00)
In their first game under Jose Mourinho, the club from Italy’s capital ran riot scoring 10 goals, with Borja Mayoral standing out with a hat-trick for his side. Mourinho’s men face a Hungarian outfit who might not match Roma player for player but will certainly match them for competitive edge and grit – as is always the case when you play anyone from those parts.
Roma will likely welcome the physical game for their preparation, but I still see the Italian side coming away with a comfortable victory – by the way, is it too soon to start to wonder whether Mourinho can rejuvenate his career in Italy and find domestic success once more?
Written by Ryan Liberty