While the likes of Premier League giants such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea might have headed off to the United States for their pre-season preparations, a host of European heavyweights are enjoying their summer camps across the globe.
With PSG and Inter Milan set to meet for a lively affair in Tokyo, we have another stacked set of friendly showdowns on Tuesday.
Watching the likes of Celtic also sign off their pre-season adventure in midweek, we have taken an in-depth look at a pair of Tuesday’s friendly battles.
PSG vs Inter Milan
Date: Tuesday, August 1st
UK Start Time: 11:00
Venue: New Nacional Stadium, Tokyo
While PSG might have eventually breezed their way to yet another Ligue 1 crown last season without breaking much of a sweat, it is fair to say that the French heavyweights find themselves at the heart of what is a public summer saga.
Despite appointing former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique last month, the European giants have already watched seven-time Ballon d’Orr winner Lionel Messi head for the exit and they have already made it clear that they will also be pushing a certain Kylian Mbappe out the door.
Coming under a huge amount of scrutiny last season and with many feeling that some of France’s elite could be smelling the chance to mount a genuine title charge next season, Enrique appears to have quite the job on his hands.
Despite it being announced over the weekend that Ousmane Dembele is inching towards a blockbuster move to the French capital, PSG have failed to find any kind of stability so far this summer.
Last seen getting hit with an action-packed 3-2 defeat at the hands of C-Osaka a few days ago, the Blues face what will be another rugged test in Tokyo here.
Although Inter Milan might have suffered Champions League final heartbreak against Premier League record-breakers Manchester City back on June 10th, the former Italian champions have gained plenty of plaudits over the past 12 months.
However, while Simone Inzaghi’s men might be looking to mount a genuine Serie A title charge next season, the Nerazzurri have endured a relatively quiet summer transfer window.
Watching the likes of Andre Onana, Edin Dzeko and Marcelo Brozovic all leave the San Siro this summer, Inter have spent just €20million and are still searching for a new striking option.
However, making a stunning pre-season statement last month as they claimed a remarkable 10-0 romp against Pergolettese, Inzaghi’s side could be smelling the chance to lay down another friendly marker on Tuesday morning.
PSG vs Inter Milan Betting Tip: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/15 with Pribet
Celtic vs Athletic Bilbao
Date: Tuesday, August 1st
UK Start Time: 19:30
Venue: Celtic Park, Glasgow
With many around Celtic Park left heartbroken to see Ange Postecoglou make the move to Tottenham this summer, it was equally surprising to see Brendan Rodgers make his return to Glasgow.
Controversially leaving the club four years ago and jumping to Leicester, the Hoops do find themselves in the midst of somewhat of a transition this summer.
Watching attacking talisman Jota head over to Saudi Arabia in a £25million move this summer, Celtic are desperate to add some new recruits before the transfer window slams shut.
However, playing out a lively 1-1 draw against Premier League outfit Wolves out in Dublin over the weekend, Rodgers’ side have largely found some rhythm during their pre-season run.
Including an impressive 4-1 victory against Portuguese club Portimonense last month, Celtic have lost just one of their five friendly contests so far this summer.
Suffering what was a woeful end to the 2023/24 campaign as they missed out on a golden chance to clinch a lucrative European ticket, many have wondered if Athletic Bilbao would show some signs of a summer hangover.
Managing to muster just a single win from any of their final nine La Liga appearances last season and crashing back down to earth after returning from the World Cup’s winter break, Ernesto Valverde’s men are also yet to spend a single penny during the summer transfer window.
Likewise, failing to pick up much of a cost during their pre-season preparations after winning just one of their three friendly showdowns so far this summer, the one-time Barcelona boss could find some growing pressure on his shoulders.
Showing some extended attacking issues on either side of the summer interval, Bilbao could face a tricky test in Glasgow.
Celtic vs Athletic Bilbao Betting Tip: Celtic win
Best Odds: 23/20 with Olympusbet
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