With the 2023/24 Premier League campaign just around the corner, all of England’s elite are starting to put together the final touches during their summer preparations.
Watching a host of Premier League heavyweights travel over to the United States this summer, clubs from up and down the country are looking to make a pre-season statement of intent.
With the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle battling it out in midweek, we have taken a glance at two all-Premier League clashes from the USA.
Brentford vs Brighton
Date: Wednesday, July 26th
UK Start Time: 22:30
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Embarking on what was a famous Premier League romp last season and clinching a maiden European ticket, Brighton have only gone from strength to strength since they welcomed Roberto De Zerbi to the Amex 10 months ago.
While the Seagulls might have been heartbroken after World Cup-winner Alexis Mac Allister made the move to Liverpool this summer, the former Sassuolo boss has certainly produced more shrewd business and has insisted that his high-flying squad are looking to cement their status as a top-six club going forward.
Showing their intent as they completed a club record signing of Brazil forward Joao Pedro from Watford in a deal worth £30million, Brighton will now be looking to kick-start their pre-season run.
Opening their summer tour of the United States with an action-packed 4-3 loss against Chelsea last weekend, De Zerbi’s side should face another tricky test when they travel to Atlanta on Wednesday night.
Although Brentford might have opened their own pre-season preparations with a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Fulham a few days ago, the Bees find themselves in an almost identical position to their Premier League rivals.
While there might be extended speculation that David Raya will be leaving west London this summer, Thomas Frank’s men have managed to keep hold of attacking talisman and England international, Ivan Toney.
Signing off their stellar Premier League campaign with a famous 2-1 win against Manchester City on the final weekend, Brentford have continued to receive a string of plaudits.
With the two sides playing out a stunning 3-3 draw when they last met at the Amex back on April 1st, fans in Atlanta could be treated to another pre-season thriller.
Brentford vs Brighton Betting Tip: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 3/5 @ BetUS
Chelsea vs Newcastle
Date: Thursday, July 27th
UK Start Time: 02:15
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Once again breaking the bank this summer and welcoming both Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali to St. James’ Park, it is no secret that Newcastle are riding what has become an iconic wave of momentum.
Making major Premier League history last season as they clinched a first top-four finish in two decades, Eddie Howe’s men also have a stunning Champions League adventure fast approaching on the horizon.
Breaking a host of records since they appointed the ex-Bournemouth boss back in November 2021, the Magpies have certainly shattered the top-six establishment.
Opening their pre-season tour of the USA with a breathless 3-3 stalemate against Aston Villa last weekend, Howe’s side should be relishing a trip to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Although Newcastle might be looking to make a real pre-season statement in Atlanta, the Magpies will meet a Chelsea squad who find themselves at the heart of what is a public transition.
Already watching the likes of N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and Christian Pulisic all head for the Stamford Bridge exit this summer, new boss Mauricio Pochettino has quite the job on his hands in SW6.
Knowing that he must guide Chelsea back to a crucial top-four return next season, the former Tottenham boss will be excited to see summer arrivals Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku make an immediate impact.
Notching a remarkable nine strikes in their back-to-back friendly wins against Wrexham and Brighton over the past week, Chelsea do appear to be turning a much-needed corner in the final third.
While the former Premier League champions might have left Romelu Lukaku back at home amidst a potential move to Juventus, Pochettino’s new squad have found a real clinical edge in the USA.
Newcastle vs Chelsea Betting Tip: Over 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 7/10 with Olympusbet
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