Pre-season friendly preview and odds: Juventus vs Tottenham Hotspur

Pre-season friendly preview and odds: Juventus vs Tottenham Hotspur

July 26, 2016 11:00am - MCG

International Champions Cup

The second game in the Australian schedule of the International Champions Cup will see Italian giants Juventus take on third-placed Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur at the MCG on Tuesday night.

Italian champs finish Melbourne jaunt with clash against English also-rans

Juventus will conclude the Australian leg of their pre-season with a tough clash against Tottenham Hotspur. Interestingly, the two veterans of European football have never met before so the Australian fans will get to witness a significant moment in soccer history.

Juve are in good shape having won the last five Serie A titles but they faltered at the start of the 2015/16 campaign and will be hoping to avoid such drama this time round. They will take to the field with several key players missing following their various Euro 2016 appearances, so Max Allegri will take the opportunity to give some of his fringe players a run out.

Despite those absences, Paulo Dybala has travelled and will be available, as will new signing Miralem Pjanic. Even a weakened Juventus squad should be able to give the English side a run for their money.

Opponents Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping to build on last year`s performance when they came close to their first title in the Premier League era with a squad containing a core of home-grown talent.

Of course, finishing in third place behind surprise winners Leicester City and rivals Arsenal ultimately left a bitter taste in the mouth of boss Mauricio Pochettino, but overall the North London club exceeded most people’s expectations for the season.

England stars Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Kyle Walker and Danny Rose have all been left at home to recover from their Euro 2016 exertions, as have Ben Davies, Toby Alderweireld, Mousa Dembele and Hugo Lloris. However, new signings Victor Wanyama and Vincent Janssen have both travelled and are expected to make an appearance.

With so many players missing on both sides, this game may feel more like a reserve match. However, a decent crowd is still expected to turn up.

Team news

Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, Paul Pogba, SamiKhedira, Marchisio, Barzagli, Zaza, Chiellini and Mandzukic will all be missing for the Italians.

Meanwhile, Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Kyle Walker and Danny Rose have all been left at home by Mauricio Pochettino.

Recent form (All competitions)

Juventus: WWLWW

Tottenham Hotspur: LLDDW

Betting odds and tips

This game will provide a chance for fringe players and new signings on both sides to impress their new bosses as the new season approaches.

The lack of first team regulars makes this game a tough one to call but both teams have strong defensive records and things could be tight on Tuesday night.

You can back Under 2.5 Goals at 4/5 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365

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22/07/2016     © Frixo 2024