Tony Kelshaw 
Barcelona paid the price for making wholesale late changes when losing to Roma in the International Champions Cup but can learn their lesson for the clash with AC Milan. The Catalan giants will be keen to end the tournament on a high note and sharpen up ahead of a Spanish Super Cup tussle with Sevilla.
Juventus have a score to settle with Real Madrid when they meet in the International Champions Cup in Maryland this weekend. The Whites have got the better of the Old Lady in the Champions League for the last two seasons, including when prevailing in the 2017 final.
Burnley had to survive a tough test at Aberdeen in the first leg of their Europa League tie but are now fancied to prove too strong on home soil. The Clarets looked the better team overall in a 1-1 draw at Pittodrie and are expected to improve for that outing in Thursday’s return fixture at Turf Moor.
Rangers had to ride their luck at times when beating NK Osijek in Croatia but are now in pole position to progress from this tricky Europa League tie. The Glasgow giants have looked strong at the back since Steven Gerrard’s arrival at Ibrox and are fancied to narrowly extend the 1-0 advantage on home turf.
Hibs pulled off an heroic comeback in the first leg of their Europa League clash with Asteras Tripolis but may find life tough in the return fixture. Neil Lennon’s side will take a slender 3-2 lead to Greece and their opponents have an impressive record at Theodoros Kolokotronis Stadium.
The Crusaders and the Lions will meet in a repeat of last year’s Super Rugby final and the New Zealand outfit are red-hot favourites to come out on top again. Scott Robertson’s side survived a late fightback to prevail 25-17 in Johannesburg 12 months ago and should enjoy a more comfortable victory now in Christchurch.
Manchester United have not had the happiest of trips to the US and may struggle to compete against Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup. As well as being without a host of World Cup stars, the Red Devils have been rocked by injuries and other departures to leave Jose Mourinho in a difficult situation.
Tottenham got off to a flying start in the International Champions Cup when thrashing Roma and are value to pick up another positive result against Barcelona in Pasadena. Both teams have travelled to the USA without a whole host of star performers, but Spurs may benefit from having already had a run-out prior to this Rose Bowl showdown.
Chelsea will continue to ease in Maurizio Sarri with an International Champions Cup clash against Inter Milan in Nice and can give their new boss another boost. The Blues beat Perth Glory 1-0 in Sarri’s first game in charge and are fancied to build on that by coming out on top again at Allianz Riviera.
New Arsenal boss Unai Emery will face his former club PSG in the International Champions Cup and we’re hoping for an honourable stalemate in Singapore. These teams drew both matches when meeting in the Champions League group stage a couple of seasons ago, so more of the same here would suit us nicely.
Joseph Parker can push his claims for a rematch with Anthony Joshua by beating Dillian Whyte at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday night. Both boxers have only suffered one defeat in their pro careers, each losing to heavyweight world champion Joshua, but Parker is a far more polished fighter in our book.
Roma shaded a thrilling encounter with Tottenham in last year’s International Champions Cup and get the nod to come out on top again in San Diego. The Italians have taken a strong squad to America, whereas Spurs rest nine players who featured in the World Cup semi-finals.
Bayern Munich warmed up for their trip to the USA by beating PSG 3-1 in Klagenfurt on Saturday and can build on that with a win over Juventus in Philadelphia. The Old Lady will not yet be able to call on major new recruit Cristiano Ronaldo as they also begin life without Gianluigi Buffon.
Celtic all-but guaranteed their place in the second Champions League qualifying round after a commanding 3-0 win over Alashkert in Yerevan. Goals from Odsonne Edouard, James Forrest and Callum McGregor wrapped up a victory which should be enough for them to progress.