Senegal got the nod in our pre-tournament Africa Cup of Nations preview, but Algeria have already beaten them 1-0 during the pool stage in Egypt. With both teams coming through dramatic semi-final victories, everything points towards this being another close encounter in our book.
Arsenal and Fiorentina both opened their International Champions Cup campaigns with 2-1 victories and could be evenly matched when they meet in Charlotte. The Gunners got the better of Bayern Munich in Los Angeles, while La Viola came from behind to shade Mexican side Guadalajara.
Rangers had to be patient when taking on St Joseph’s in Gibraltar but will be looking to get on top much earlier in the second leg of their Europa League qualifier. The first encounter was goalless at the interval, but Steven Gerrard’s side then managed to cut loose after the break to win 4-0.
Kilmarnock were given a fright when visiting Connah’s Quay in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier and will be looking for a smoother ride at Rugby Park. Killie had to come from behind to snatch a late 2-1 triumph in Wales but should now be able to ease through to the next stage.
Bayern Munich should be more fired up than they would be for most pre-season matches when facing Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup. The German giants have been knocked out of the Champions League by their Spanish opponents three times in the last six years.
Arsenal have come under fire from their own supporters but can boost morale with a good effort against Bayern Munich in the International Champions Cup. The Gunners did well in this event 12 months ago and have taken a strong squad to the USA, while their opponents have the look of a team in transition.
Aberdeen still have work to do after conceding a last-gasp goal in their 2-1 Europa League win over Rovaniemi but should be up to the task in Finland. The Dons looked a cut above their opponents for long periods at Pittodrie and would have been emphatic victors with more clinical finishing.
Tunisia and Nigeria suffered heart-breaking semi-final defeats at the Africa Cup of Nations and Wednesday’s third-place play-off will be a test of their resolve. The Super Eagles have tried to play more enterprising football throughout the tournament, though, so the feeling is they will still be up for this.
Celtic were given a minor scare before coming from behind to beat FK Sarajevo 3-1 in the away leg of their Champions League qualifier, but should improve for that outing. The Hoops will now hope to make smooth progress in Glasgow and a more clinical display is on the cards.
Tottenham finished top of the table in last year’s International Champions Cup and can begin the defence of their trophy by edging out Juventus. Spurs beat two Italian teams 12 months ago, brushing aside Roma 4-1 and shading AC Milan 1-0, either side of a 2-2 draw with Barcelona.
Manchester United’s International Champions Cup clash with Inter Milan in Singapore could be a little more spicy than most pre-season fixtures. The Nerazzurri, now managed by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, have been negotiating a possible transfer swoop for Red Devils striker Romelu Lukaku.
Algeria had to go to penalties in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals and could be in for another long night when taking on Nigeria in the semis. Both of these teams have proved they are capable of showing plenty of resilience when under pressure and we’re expecting a tight tussle in Cairo.
Senegal got the nod in our pre-tournament Africa Cup of Nations preview and we’re sticking with them in the semi-finals against Tunisia. The Eagles of Carthage enjoyed an impressive quarter-final win over Madagascar, but the Lions of Teranga have looked far more solid overall during this tournament.
Senegal were our pre-tournament selection for Africa Cup of Nations glory and we see no reason to desert them against surprise quarter-finalists Benin. The Lions of Teranga have Liverpool star Sadio Mane in fine form and are the tournament’s highest-rated team, according to the FIFA rankings.