Manchester City v Real Madrid Betting: Back Los Blancos to asset their authority

Manchester City and Real Madrid continue their preparations for the forthcoming season with a game in Los Angeles in the International Champions Cup.

Both sides have played one match so far this summer, either facing Manchester United in their opening game of the tournament. City were beaten 2-0 by their  cross-city rivals while Madrid lost on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

What was impressive from Los Blancos in that game, however, was their ability to keep up with United and they did not seem physically overawed by a side much further advanced in their preparations.

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Expect both teams in Los Angeles to field teams which are a blend of youth and experience, with both managers likely to use the game to give some of their youth players some minutes. bet365 offer City at 13/5 (3.60) for the win while Madrid are offered at 9/10 (1.90) and the draw can be backed at 11/4 (3.75) . 

In truth, the price for a Real Madrid win looks big enough for our purposes and when these two sides last met in pre-season, the Spanish champions ran out comfortable winners.

On that occasion two years ago in Melbourne, it finished 4-1 to Madrid, while the four Champions League meetings between these two sides have seen two wins for the La Liga outfit and two draws. 

Goal

Zinedine Zidane's men are likely to improve considerably from their decent showing against United and they have been undertaking considerable fitness work during their time training at the facilities of UCLA over the last two weeks.

Furthermore, the group of five Spanish Real Madrid players who represented their country at this summer's European championships are likely to be in contention for the game against City after missing the clash with United.

The likes of Marco Asensio and Dani Ceballos will further strengthen a strong Madrid side, and while City of course have talented players of their own, backing the European champions at a healthy looking price makes sense.