It’s been a brilliant month and it’s now time for the AFCON 2019 final! I’ve enjoyed watching both Senegal and Algeria, and I’m expecting a close game on Friday.
Senegal 0 v 0 Algeria – Friday 19 July – AFCON 2019 Final – Under 2.5 Goals (1.40)
These two teams have been the strongest at the tournament, so it’s only right that they meet in the final. They’ve already played in the group stage though, when Algeria won 1-0. That was the only goal that Senegal have conceded since they’ve been in Egypt though, and they’ve looked solid over the last three weeks. The Desert Foxes have only conceded twice themselves, and I foresee another tight game here. I’m going for a Draw in 90 minutes, but Under 2.5 Goals is a safe bet.
Tunisia 1 v 0 Nigeria – Wednesday 17 July – AFCON 2019 – Under 2.5 Goals (1.50)
Both of these teams fought hard on Sunday but the best they can hope for now is third place. Tunisia haven’t actually lost in 90 minutes at the AFCON and, although they haven’t impressed, they’ve shown resilience. Nigeria lost to Algeria with the final kick of the game, but in truth they didn’t create much. I think they will be more demotivated here, so I’m backing the Eagles of Carthage.
Newcastle 0 v 1 Wolves – Wednesday 17 July – Premier League Asia Trophy – Under 2.5 Goals (1.80)
It’s been a tough summer for Newcastle so far. Rafael Benitez has departed, as have their two top two scorers from last season. Wolves will use these games to prepare for their upcoming Europa League qualifiers. They won three of their final five matches last season, and I think they’ll be too strong here. I’ll go for Under 2.5 Goals, as it’s happened in four of their last five meetings.
Man City 2 v 0 West Ham – Wednesday 17 July – Premier League Asia Trophy – Man City Win with 0:1 Handicap (2.05)
It’s hard to bet against Man City here. Admittedly, they won’t be at full strength since some of their players have been on international duty at the AFCON and Copa America, but their squad still has plenty of quality. West Ham only have one striker in their squad and have lost their last eight games against the current champions. I’m going for an easy win for City.
Arsenal 1 v 3 Bayern Munich – Wednesday – International Friendly – Both Teams to Score (1.50)
Bayern only lost one of their final 20 games last season, while Arsenal stumbled and failed to make the Champions League. The German side usually struggle in pre-season, and they haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their previous seven games at the ICC. However, they have beaten the Gunners 5-1 in three of their last five meetings, so I have to go for them to win this time.