Australians are currently enjoying the company of football superstars from some of Europe’s biggest teams, including Real Madrid, Roma, and Man City. Come this Friday, Australian football fans will have the pleasure of watching Man City play Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup.
Man City already have reason to be excited, given that they now have the services of Raheem Sterling and that the controversial former Liverpool attacker scored just three minutes into his non-competitive club debut against Roma (Man City won 5-4 on penalties after 2-2 draw).
Real Madrid have also courted their fair share of transfer controversy this summer despite the fact that they are yet to complete any signings. Los Merengues have identified David de Gea as their number one transfer target, but have appear to have low-balled Manchester United with small offers inspired by de Gea’s expiring contract. With no resolution in sight, Real will not have de Gea for the International Champions Cup.
Expectations
Roma held Real Madrid to a 0-0 draw before winning 7-6 on penalties in the International Champions Cup. They then went on to draw 2-2 with Man City before losing 5-4 on penalties. Roma are obviously playing to win in this friendly tournament, whereas Man City and Real Madrid appear more focused on getting players back to fitness.
Man City only played Raheem Sterling in the first-half of their Roma encounter. City started the game with a front three that also included David Silva and youth player Kelechi Iheanacho. Their dominance ended after half-time.
Rafa Benítez suffered the embarrassment of losing his first game as Real manager, and that was despite starring Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. Real are clearly willing to use their big guns in this tournament, so expect their talented stars to begin this game with Man City.
Match Tips
Tip one: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.65 with ladbrokes
Tip two: Karim Benzema to score any time @ 2.20 with ladbrokes
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Both sides will play their best attacking players at various stages of the game, with defenders also expected to be rotated. Goals are a reasonable expectation for the game.
