Although the World Cup concluded last weekend, the sun never sets on the world’s most popular sport. This Friday, the International Champions Cup kicks off in the United States, and two of the biggest clubs in the world will square off in the Windy City.
Manchester City is eager to pick up new supporters during their U.S. tour after the most successful Premier League campaign ever. The Citizens cruised to the league title and set numerous records in the process, and many Americans will rush to see the English champions in action. Borussia Dortmund will aim to make themselves known in the States as well. Although this is the German club’s third straight year participating in the ICC, they spent the last two years playing in Asia, and this will be their first time playing stateside.
The International Champions Cup brings some of the top clubs in Europe to cities around the world that normally don’t get to see top flight football. The match will take place at Soldier Field in Chicago at 9:05 p.m. ET on Friday, July 20, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN2.
International Champions Cup Betting at BookMaker.eu
Borussia Dortmund +147
Manchester City +162
Draw +264
Over/Under 3
What to watch for
The International Champions Cup is a competition that does award a trophy at the conclusion of the event, but it is largely seen as an exhibition by the best teams in the world. As such, most of the team’s starters generally don’t participate, especially in a year when there is a major international tournament.
Manchester City will leave its most talented players at home for some much needed R&R. The club had more players (16) participate in the World Cup than any other professional team in the world, and it’s only natural that they take some time off before the Premier League gets underway next month. However, Pep Guardiola will be bringing over some notable names. Leicester City acquisition Riyad Mahrez is set to star, as well as Benjamin Mendy, Leroy Sane, and Joe Hart.
Right now, we don’t know who Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre will bring to the U.S. Right back Achraf Hakimi is an option since he has been the club’s biggest acquisition this offseason, but he played for Morocco at the World Cup. Mario Gotze, Marco Reus, and Andre Schurrle may also come over. There is no doubt that American sensation Christian Pulisic will be making the trip though.
Borussia Dortmund Player to Watch
Pulisic has been heralded as the next great thing in American soccer, and he has started to live up to the hype despite being a teenager. He has notched nine goals in 21 appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team, and you can be sure that he will take the field in every game that Dortmund plays in the United States.
Last season, Pulisic was one of Dortmund’s most capped players, taking part in 41 matches. Only two players featured for the club more, so it’s obvious he has made a good impression. He is still learning what it takes to be a goal scorer at the next level, but he has shown a lot of potential.
Manchester City Player to Watch
The last two years have been rough on Joe Hart. Hart went from being the first-choice goalkeeper for both England and Manchester City to becoming an afterthought for both teams. He was not included on Gareth Southgate’s 23-man World Cup roster, and City has lent him out to Torino and West Ham in successive seasons.
This is a chance for Hart to prove he still has something left in the tank. He is entering the final year of his contract, and if he is going to play for a top club after this season, he will need to put together a great performance.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
While this is more of an exhibition for Manchester City, it’s a chance to put on a show for Borussia Dortmund. The German side knows that fans will primarily coming to see Pulisic, and it will likely want to surround him with some of the club’s more talented players during this tour. It’s also a chance for Dortmund to make an impression on an American audience, and they will do just that.
International Champions Cup Odds: Borussia Dortmund 2, Manchester City 1
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