As much as we want to focus on the play on the field when the preseason begins, it’s easy to become distracted by all the rumors and transfer talk taking place off of it. There are still a few weeks to go until the start of the domestic leagues in Europe, which means that there is also still some time before the trade deadline arrives. With that in mind, we can expect many of the bigger teams to continue to try and make some deals as they prepare for the long campaign ahead. While some teams appear to be heading in the right direction, others appear to be in turmoil.
That is a phrase that would almost certainly apply to Real Madrid right now, as they are openly stating that Gareth Bale, one of their most effective players from last season, is surplus to requirements this year. Madrid made a very poor start to this tournament and will play their second game on Monday night against an Arsenal team that has played very well in their opening two games. It is Real Madrid who are slight Soccer Betting favorites for this one, with the goal total set at 3 ¼.
Real Madrid vs Arsenal 2019 International Champions Cup Odds & Pick
- When: Monday, July 22 at 7 PM EST
- Where: FedEx Field, Landover
- TV: ESPN
- Live Stream: WatchESPN
- 2019 ICC Odds: Real Madrid -103 (Total 3¼)
Top Soccer Betting Picks for the Week – July 22nd Edition
Why bet on Real Madrid?
Real Madrid had a very poor season by their standards last year, bringing back Zinedine Zidane in the offseason to try and get the ship heading back in the right direction. While Madrid had some injury issues last year, they also never really found an adequate replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. There is a ton of pressure on Real Madrid this season, but they are not showing themselves in the best light early on.
Besides the off-field issues, they were also seriously outclassed in their opening game in the ICC, going down 3-1 to Bayern Munich. They will certainly be hoping that Eden Hazard makes an impact this season, but he showed very little in that opening game defeat. The problems are only going to get worse if Madrid loses again in this one.
Expected Line-Up
- 13-T. Courtois
- 4-Sergio Ramos
- 12-Marcelo
- 2-Daniel Carvajal
- 5-R. Varane
- 10-L. Modrić
- 8-T. Kroos
- 22-Isco
- 20-Marco Asensio
- 9-K. Benzema
- 50-E. Hazard
Why bet on Arsenal?
It’s never a good idea to get too hyped about the results in the preseason, as these games are more about getting players in shape and trying out different formations than anything else. Still, Arsenal fans need to be a little excited about what they have seen thus far, winning both of their games in rather convincing fashion.
The Gunners are currently sitting atop the ICC table after back to back wins and a +4 goal differential. Arsenal started things off with a nice 2-1 win over Bayern Munich, which they followed up with a 3-0 win over Fiorentina. Perhaps the most heartening thing for Arsenal was that they played a lot of young players in their second win. 4 different scorers in those 2 games is also a definite positive.
Expected Line-Up
- 1-B. Leno
- 18-Nacho Monreal
- 5-S. Papastathopoulos
- 20-S. Mustafi
- 10-M. Özil
- 7-H. Mkhitaryan
- 34-G. Xhaka
- 15-A. Maitland-Niles
- 28-J. Willock
- 14-P. Aubameyang
- 9-A. Lacazette
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Real Madrid vs Arsenal
It’s never easy to pick winners in the preseason, even when you have some results to go on, as you never really know what type of teams will be fielded. Arsenal might go a little stronger here, as they have a shot at winning this competition.
Score: Real Madrid 2 – Arsenal 2
