So, the domestic football season has ended and the transfer window is now dominating the football headlines alongside international tournaments such as the European under 21's, the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the Copa America. Next month, club players return from holidays and international duty and pre-season begins. This article is all about which pre-season matches will be the best to watch.
L.A Galaxy vs Real Madrid- Saturday 16th July
Real Madrid will be looking to put a disappointing 2010-11 season behind them, when they travel to L.A to face their former player, David Beckham and his current club L.A Galaxy. As they do in most summer transfer windows, Real Madrid are expected to add a few new superstars such as Alexis Sanchez and Sergio Aguero, plus Nuri Sahin whose signing has already been completed.
Barclays Asia trophy- Wednesday 27th to Saturday 30th July
For the 5th time, fans of the Barclays Premier league in Asia will get to see some of their heroes in the Barclays Asia trophy. Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea and Kitchee, who are the Hong Kong champions will all be competing. Both Aston Villa and Chelsea are expected to have appointed their new managers by then, making the tournament even more intriguing. The trophy will be contested like two semi-finals with the winners of Aston Villa vs Blackburn facing the winners of Chelsea vs Kitchee in the final while the losers face eachother in a third place play-off.
Manchester United vs New York Cosmos- Friday 5th August
In recognition of Paul Scholes' legendary career, the New York Cosmos (whose director of soccer is Old Trafford legend Eric Cantona) will face Man Utd in a match that will be the newly reformed Cosmos' first in 25 years. Even though, Utd will be the clear favourites to win the match, rarely has a pre-season match carried as much historical significance.
Dublin Super Cup- Saturday 30th-Sunday 31st July
Inter Milan, Celtic, Manchester City and an Airtricity league XI will all be competing in what should be an exciting 4 game tournament, played at Dublin's Aviva stadium. Each team will play two games, with Manchester City vs Inter Milan on the 31st expected to be the closest.
Manchester United vs Barcelona- Saturday 30th July
Football/soccer fans in Washington will have the oppourtunity to witness who many believe are the two best teams in the world, Manchester United and Barcelona battle it out in a repeat of the 2011 champions league final. It will also be an opportunity to see new Utd defender Phil Jones and perhaps David De Gea and Ashley Young in their new shirts for their new clubs.
