International Champions Cup: Tottenham v Roma

Tottenham v Roma – Wednesday 10:00am AEST

Kyle Walker or no Kyle Walker Spurs are a serious unit and they are yet to go shopping. Pochettino is sure to add to the squad and has noted that although they have depth and an abundance of youngsters, the facts that their rivals have invested heavily will make things difficult. Trippier will lock down the right back role but look for them to add a key figure in each line of the formation. Ideally they will be seeking a versatile defender, an attacking midfield player and a backup for Kane.

For Roma, the writing is on the wall. They have finished 2nd in the Serie A in 3 of the last 4 season but they have literally been stripped in recent months. Inspirational manager Spalletti was snapped up by Inter and a exodus has ensued. Mohamed Salah and Rudiger have made their way to Liverpool and Chelseas respectively, Totti has retired and De Rossi is pushing 35 years of age. They have picked up a stack of young blood with Pellegrini, Under and Karsdorp along with the experienced Kolarov and Gonalons. The Wolf is concerned that they will lose Manolas from central defence and with Rutiger already gone that would mean an entirely new centre back pairing. That spells danger!

Spurs were excellent against PSG and after conceding early they really clicked into gear. The were able to take the lead before the French side were relegated to 10 men and then went on with it to win 4-2. Roma’s first encounter was also against PSG with the Italians going down in a shootout. The two sides play a very different brand of football. Roma play a at a much slower tempo and look to build from the back before bringing there wide men into the game. Spurs on the other hand utilise their speed and athleticism to do press high and flood numbers forward on the counter. Pochettino basically used two separate 11’s for each half and we are likely to see a repeat. Spurs should be odds on!

Best Bet: Tottenham WIN ($2.15)

Value: Tottenham Over 2.5 goals ($3.25)

Upcoming Matches

Tue: Chelsea v Bayern (Preview)

Fri: Barcelona v Man Utd

Fri: PSG v Juve