Spain Barcelona
Barcelona will start their pre-season games with a match in the International Champions Cup, against LA Galaxy on Wednesday, sadly too early for European fans @ 4:00am UK (5:00am CET). The team has signed so far two new players: midfielder Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid for 35 million and Aleix Vidal from Sevilla for 20 million.
Leo Messi, Neymar, Alves, Mascherano and Bravo are expected to be missing, as they were participating in the Copa America 2015 and their holiday started later than everyone elses. No doubt by just reading the names you can expect Barcelona’s attack to be weaken in this match. While Suarez, Pedro, Rakitic still posses qualities and can secure the victory, Messi & Neymar are every defense worst nightmare.
Alves and Mascherano missing on the back is not as troublesome, and would be interesting what coach Luis Enrique has prepared for us to see on the field. Barcelona is expected to win in this game, and we believe they will not disappoint the fans. While the odds @ 1.33 aren’t attractive, the Asian Handicap -1.5 looks pretty good @ 1.98
USA LA Galaxy
This match will be a good test for LA Galaxy, who are currently 2nd in the Western Conference in the MLS. Performance rating of 71%, winning 5 and losing 2 of the last 7 games. The team has signed Steven Gerrad and Giovani dos Santos this summer, two very familiar names for all football fans.
Team captain Robbie Keane, scored 3 goals for the latest LA Galaxy victory against San Jose. In addition Steven Gerrard managed to bag one for the overall 5-2 and both appear to be ready and eager to face Blaugrana.
The only time these two teams have faced each other was back in 2009, when LA Galaxy lost the friendly match with 1-2. Obviously classes away from their opponent, LA Galaxy would hope for the home crowd support, as well as the fact that this is Barcelona’s first match of the pre-season and a few key players will be missing. Great odds for victory @ 7.50 or draw @ 5.50 for those who think the American team can counter the European Champion.
Verdict
Barcelona will make their first pre-season appearance in this game against LA Galaxy with a few key players missing. While the team will not be out with the optimal squad, we believe Barcelona has enough players to win this match. The Asian Handicap Barcelona -1.5 @ 1.98 looks great and promising.
We are preparing for a great show in this match and anticipate plenty of goals. Keane, Gerrard, Santos will want a piece of the European Champion for sure. Great odds for Over 3.5 Goals @ 2.10 with bet365.
.png?v=1.014689135)
