The Olympics may be around the corner, but the dust is certainly settling on the summer’s international action.
National unity is once again being thrown out of the window in favour of unrelenting tribalism with pre-season starting to get underway. The start of the 2024/25 campaign will emerge in a flash and clubs are now enjoying their summer ventures overseas.
It’s a crucial time for managers ahead of the new season and the absence of senior stars from many touring squads will open up doors for youth to shine.
An abundance of pre-season action is on the doorstep and there is a litany of intriguing bouts well worth checking out. Here are four you should be casting an eye on this week.
Date: Saturday 27 July
Kick-off time (BST): 00:30
Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, USA
TV channel/live stream: LFCTV (UK) / ESPN+, fuboTV, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes (US)
Liverpool’s pre-season is yet to truly kick into gear, with Jurgen Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot, currently working with the same squad (minus a few) the German had at his disposal during his swan song at Anfield.
The Reds are yet to make a signing this summer, so there will be a sense of familiarity in terms of personnel over in the States. However, there will be ample opportunities for Liverpool’s revered academy stars to impress and it will certainly be interesting to see how Slot sets his Liverpool side up in their first recognised friendly of the summer against Spanish outfit Real Betis.
It may only be July, but Liverpool’s work without the ball will be put to the test by a control-oriented Betis side that will aim to steal territory from the Reds. Mohamed Salah is also fresh and ready to fire in Pittsburgh.
Date: Saturday 27 July
Kick-off time (BST): 11:00
Location: NOEVIR Stadium, Kobe, Japan
TV channel/live stream: SpursPlay (UK) / Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo (US)
The early business Ange Postecoglou hoped for, especially in forward areas, hasn’t quite come to fruition, but Tottenham have nonetheless enjoyed a promising start to the summer.
Spurs kicked off their pre-season with two domestic friendly wins over Hearts and Queens Park Rangers. New arrival Archie Gray has started both outings, with Swedish sensation Lucas Bergvall looking bright also.
However, the names that have so far got Lilywhite supporters tweeting…
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