The big problem which Club America has had over the course of its first couple matches of the year against MLS teams is that it has been just starting off, while the MLS squads have been in the midst of their season. However, they will turn the tide on Friday when they take on Manchester United, who will be playing its first fixture of the campaign in the International Champions Cup.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The bad news for Club America though, is that it is still a big underdog in this match even though it has had some real playing time under its belt.
Perhaps in part to its big name and in part due to the fact that the Premier League is considered to have a superior brand of soccer to the Mexican League, the Red Devils are still odds-on favorites in this duel. They are set at -250 to win this match with a goal and a half line on the Asian Handicap.
The total is also insanely high at a flat 3.5, the likes of which you just don't see, even in these early-season matches.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I think in the different stadiums we played in throughout the states, it's almost – a lot of them have been like a friendly atmosphere where the fans obviously are coming out to watch us play. They're excited to see the Manchester United players coming over and playing. In Seattle, it was a bit different, where they really were passionate for Seattle. They obviously appreciated us playing there, but they were really passionate for Seattle, and you know, you could feel that when you're on the pitch." – Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney speaking towards the atmosphere at CenturyLink Field for these preseason fixtures
MANCHESTER UNITED WEAK IN NET ASIDE FROM DE GEA
David De Gea is absolutely Manchester United's first choice in net, but in the event that either he doesn't play is pulled out of the fixture somewhere along the way, the rest of the options in the pipes just aren't all that good. Victor Valdes was left off of the squad which traveled to the United States for this four-match swing, which leaves Sam Johnstone, who has never made a first-team appearance with the squad along with Anders Lindegaard, who is very likely auditioning to remain as the backup to De Gea this year.
The names you've come to know and love about United are all here. Wayne Rooney, Radamel Falcao, Juan Mata, Marouane Fellaini… They're all here in the United States at this point, and they are hoping to get their season off to a good start against the Mexican side.
SPEED KILLS FOR CLUB AMERICA
This Club America side is interesting. We know that it is going to use speed to try to stretch out the pitch, but we also know that it just isn't all that organized yet.
On Tuesday against San Jose, CF America won 2-1, but it only really started to come on strong in the second half when there were just 10 men playing on each side.
Paolo Goltz won't be available for this match, but men like Andres Andrade, one of the goal scorers from Tuesday, could have big impacts in this one.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Manchester United just has to be careful that this doesn't become too wide open of a game for its likings. Louis van Gaal knows that he has to keep his side tactically strong at the back, but history in these preseason games tells a tale of a team which uses its forum to showcase its scoring.
That's why the total in this game is just so darn high. We think the total number of goals will end up getting there. We'd rather play the Mexican team with the high Asian handicap than anything else, though we still think that Man U will end up winning this match just based on pure talent alone.
Manchester United 3, Club America 2
BookMaker has live International Champions Cup odds for every clash of the season. BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. Manchester United opened as a -250 favorite. The first offering of the total came in at 3.5. Live wagering during the match offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer match now!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between Manchester United and Club America will take place on Friday, July 17, 2015, at 11:00 p.m. at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, WA. The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.
