Tottenham v Atletico Madrid – Melbourne Cricket Ground at 11:00 live on Sky Sports 1
Champions League finalists Ateltico Madrid provide another tough test for Mauricio Pochettino’s young inexperienced International Champions Cup squad tomorrow at the MCG.
With just one more friendly, against Inter Milan on the 5th August after their departure form Australia, Pochettino will be keen to get his first pre-season win on the board. It will also be a good opportunity to see how they fair against possible Champions League opponents after finishing third in the Premier League last season, qualifying for the UCL for only the second time.
Spurs began their pre-season preparations against Juventus on Tuesday which ended in a 2-1 defeat. The Italian Serie A holders fielded a strong side and dominated the first half, going in at the break 2-0 up. Pochettino will have been pleased with the second half though, narrowing the deficit thanks to an Eric Lamela goal. Despite losing it was a decent result for the North Londoners and with a host of key players given an extended rest after the Euro’s, it gave some of the fringe players a chance to stake their claim for the upcoming season.
It was also an opportunity to see new signings Vincent Janssen and Victor Wanyama who are likely to feature again tomorrow. Christian Eriksen played no part against Juve after picking up a virus but should be fit enough to get a run out against Atleti.
Ateltico Madrid come into this match also having played just one friendly this summer, a 2-0 win over fellow Spanish club Numancia. New signings Sime Vrsaljko and Diogo played their part and have travelled with the squad to Australia.
Notable absentees are Koke and Euro 2016 top goalscorer Antoine Griezmann but the likes on Gabi, Oblak, Godin and Fernando Torres are all available to Diego Simeone.
Tottenham played very openly against Juventus on Tuesday and I’m expecting a similar style for this encounter. Atletico are known for their defensive strengths though and will make it very difficult for the Spurs offense. Tottenham’s defending in the first half was poor in Tuesday’s defeat and any slip ups will be pounced upon by the Rojiblancos.
I don’t see this being a high scoring match and with Under 2.5 goals being offered at a best price of 1.96, this offers some value. I’m expecting a tight match but one that Ateltico Madrid should come out on top. They also offer some value -0.5 on the Asian Handicap betting market at 2.06
Asian Handicap Betting Recommendation: Atletico Madrid -0.5 at 2.06 & Under 2.5 goals at 1.96
Prices correct at time of writing.
По @ SC457.
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