Sydney Festival of Football

Sydney FC v AEK Athens
Sydney FC v Rangers
AEK Athens v Rangers


Sunday, July 25
Sydney FC V AEK Athens

Verdict: AEK Athens have taken their strongest possible side to Australia as they meet hosts, Sydney FC, in the opening game of the 'Festival of Football' tournament. AEK arrived in Australia on Thursday and held their first training just yesterday. It is anyone's guess if the Greek team will have recovered sufficiently from their long flight. They do though have the quality of Blanco, Djebbour, and Manduca to breach a somewhat weak Sydney backline. Conversely, the home team are capable of surprising their more illustrious opponents with the like of Brosque, Bridge, Jamieson and new signing Nick Carle. I expect both teams to score here as I don't rate either backline.

Pick: Over 2.5 goals @2.19 (188bet, 10 units)
Sydney FC 3 - 5 AEK Athens

Wednesday, July 28
Sydney FC V Rangers

Verdict: Both teams will make their second outing in the 'Festival of Football' tournament. Hosts, Sydney FC, were humbled by Greek side AEK Athens in the first game, losing 5-3. The score line is perhaps not a true reflection on the class difference between the two sides as AEK gifted Sydney FC two of their goals through a penalty and a goal keeping error. In their respective match, Scottish Champions Rangers defeated Premiership outfit Blackburn 2-1. Rangers looked impressive, especially in the first half and perhaps could of made the score line more erratic if it weren't for Miller's penalty miss.

Rangers manager, Walter Smith, has indicated that his side should perform even better than they did on Sunday as they have now fully recovered from their marathon flight to Australia. It is reported that Rangers will not tinker with their team too much with only reserve keeper Alexander, Broadfoot, and possibly Whittaker to come in. Star striker, Kenny Miller, has been suffering from shin splints but he himself has suggested that he is now on the mend.

Pick: Rangers 1x2 @2.25 (bet365, 10 units)
Sydney FC 0 - 0 Rangers

Saturday, July 31
AEK Athens V Rangers

Verdict: AEK will look to continue their perfect tour of Australia when they face Scottish Champions, Glasgow Rangers. On Wednesday, AEK were too good for Premiership side Blackburn with a 2-1 win. This was AEK's second win in this pre-season tournament after defeating hosts Sydney FC 5-3 in the opening game.
Rangers won their opening game 2-1 against Blackburn in impressive fashion but were just as unimpressive against Sydney FC on Wednesday. A scoreless was all the Scots could manage but to be fair to them, they had to battle torrential rain, a bogged up pitch, and a determined Sydney FC side.

Rangers manager, Walter Smith, announced that his team were a bit sore after that encounter but was determined to stick with short list of senior players for the game against AEK. In addition, McCulloch and Lafferty had to leave the ground with slight injuries so it is questionable as to whether they will start. AEK manager, Dusan Bajevic, has rotated his squad well so far so I expect the Greeks to be fresher than their opponents.

Pick: AEK Athens DNB @1.95 (bet365, 10 units)
AEK 1 - 0 Rangers