Pre-season friendly preview and odds: AC Milan vs Chelsea

Pre-season friendly preview and odds: AC Milan vs Chelsea

August 04, 2016 03:35am - US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

International Champions Cup

Chelsea will be hoping to bounce back from their recent defeat to Spanish giants Real Madrid when they face an AC Milan side who have struggled to live up to their own status as footballing behemoths in recent years.

Real Madrid score-line flattered the Blues

Chelsea`s 3-2 friendly defeat to Real Madrid last week may go down in the history books as a close game, but in reality it was a one-sided affair that was over after just 45 minutes. The Spanish team strolled to a 3-0 lead before two late Eden Hazard goals put some gloss on the result for the Londoners.

With the Premier League season just under two weeks away, Antonio Conte will be keen to get his players back on the winning track when he faces a team that he will know all too well from his days coaching in Serie A.

The Blues currently sit fourth in the ten-team International Champions Cup table having claimed three points from their 1-0 victory over fellow Premier League side Liverpool last week. Although the tournament holds little weight in terms of prestige, a decent finish could provide a confidence boost ahead of Chelsea`s season opener against West Ham United at Stamford Bridge in a fortnight.

While Chelsea defeated Liverpool last week, the Italians had no such luck when they went down 2-0 to Jurgen Klopp`s men on Sunday. However, they did manage to overcome Bayern Munich via a penalty shootout following a 3-3 draw in Chicago last week. Prior to their trip to the Unites States, Vincenzo Montella’s recorded a 2-1 win over French side Bordeaux.

Team news

John Obi Mikel is heading to Rio to represent Nigeria in the Olympics games and is set to miss out, while Diego Costa continues to recover from a back injury but could feature at some point. New signing N`Golo Kante could also play a part after completing his first training sessions with his new club.

Recent form (All competitions)

Chelsea: LWWLD

AC Milan: LWWLL

Betting odds and tips

Although they have shown glimpses of form under new boss Vicenzo Montella, AC Milan have a long way to go and a lot of work to do if they want to regain their once mighty status. They were easily beaten by Premier League side Liverpool last week and Chelsea could provide another stiff test.

The Blues are also adapting to life under a new coach and have looked far from convincing in their first few games under Conte`s wing. However, the addition of Kante to their midfield should give them a boost and Conte should know exactly what to expect from his opposite number.

You can back Chelsea to win at 4/5 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365

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AC Milan v Chelsea Live Betting Odds - Elite Club Friendlies

Home Win	3/1
Draw	14/5
Away Win	4/5

03/08/2016     © Frixo 2024