With the start of the new Premier League season under three weeks away, the intensity is being ramped up for English sides competing in the International Champions Cup.
While these games are only friendlies, the cross-continent tournament pits the best against the best, and there’s plenty of top talent on show in Thursday’s matches.
Our football expert has taken a look at the best football betting odds for this round.
Manchester City v Liverpool
New Jersey plays host to a repeat of last year’s Champions League quarter-final, as Liverpool face Manchester City.
The Reds came out on top in those epic encounters, and having beaten City 4-3 in January too, should have plenty of confidence for this one.
With a fully recovered Mo Salah in the squad, and new signings Fabinho and Naby Keita likely to feature, Jurgen Klopp’s side look a good shout at 5/6 with Grosvenorsport.com to continue their good form against the Premier League champions.
City, on the other hand, will likely play a very different side to that which will start against Arsenal in their opening league match and, as a result, are fancied to come off the better of the two sides.
However, it must be noted that City’s 1-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund in their previous fixture was a very even contest, whereas Liverpool lost 3-1 to the German side just a day later.
While Liverpool have plenty of stars at their disposal, World Cup commitments mean City don’t – though Leroy Sane and new signing Riyad Mahrez should be on display. Pep Guardiola’s men are 12/5 to pick up the win here.
If there’s one thing these sides usually guarantee, it’s goals – with 18 across their four meetings last season. With a shaky Loris Karius, and the lesser spotted Joe Hart is likely to play in goal, and I think there’s good value for money in the sides putting on a treat for the fans here.
I suggest backing over 3.5 goals at 5/4.
AC Milan vs Manchester United
Jose Mourinho’s side head to California to face AC Milan – two European giants whose crowns have slightly slipped in recent years. While Mourinho seems to have arrested United’s slump, taking them to second place in the Premier League last season, Milan were only able to manage sixth in Serie A, and are a shadow of their former selves.
Boss Gennaro Gattuso is hoping to bring the good times back to the San Siro, and a morale-boosting pre-season win over United could help bring a bit of confidence. Milan are 6/4 here.
United have begun their pre-season with two draws, with Club America and San Jose Earthquakes. The Red Devils are 5/4 favourites to get their first win of the 2018/19 campaign in this one.
However, after serving up a 0-0 and a 1-1 in those draws, I think we could see another cagey affair from United in California.
Like so often in the past few seasons, United have looked devoid of inspiration in their pre-season games so far, and I would be surprised if they turned that round here.
I suggest backing the draw at 5/2, with 0-0 at 13/1 also looking a good bet.
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