Spurs and City ready for New York Challenge: Preview, Odds & Tips

Thierry Henry ready to face Spurs, as big spending Manchester City face Lisbon

Tottenham v New York Red Bulls Odds
Thursday, July 23rd
Tottenham to win: 5/4 at Bwin
Draw: 9/4 at Bet365
New York Red Bulls to win: 9/4 at Stan James

Thierry Henry is 6/4 at Bet365 as Anytime Scorer

Spurs, who finished fourth in the Premier League last season, will hope to step up their preparations for the new season by making an impact in the New York Challenge. They take on MLS team the New York Red Bulls on Thursday, in part of a four team tournament, in which Manchester City and Sporting Lisbon make up the numbers. Spurs could only manage a 0-0 draw against San Jose on the weekend, and they will face one of their old rivals, former Arsenal star Thierry Henry on Thursday. The French star, who also retired from international duty, signed for the New York club, after being released by Barcelona, as they look to close the gap on the MLS leading sides. This will no doubt be the twilight of Henry’s career, and for one of the modern greats, it will be interesting to watch his impact in the American game. For Spurs, coach Harry Redknapp has built a solid side, and instilled a lot more grit and fighting qualities in the side last year. They seemed to be the front runners to capture the signature of Joe Cole, but the White Hart Lane fans were occluded from the England player’s talents, as he signed with Liverpool. But, with Champions League football on their doorstep, it will be a big season ahead for them, to see if they can continue taking steps forward. What will be equally as interesting is if Manchester City and Spurs meet in the showcase final on Sunday, as the two sides, who were the protagonists in the race for the fourth spot in the Premier League last year, face off against each other on the opening day of the new domestic season.

Manchetser City v Sporting Lisbon Odds
Thursday, July 23rd
Manchester City to win: 5/6 at Bwin
Draw: 12/5 at Stan James
Sporting Lisbon to win: 3/1 at SkyBet

Manchester City meanwhile are spending big again, as boss Roberto Mancini builds a squad which he hopes will challenge for top domestic honours. While other clubs are counting the pennies, City have already snapped up David Silva, Yaya Toure and Jerome Boateng. They are also reportedly interested in MLS star Landon Donovan, Aston Villa’s James Milner, as well as Inter Milan’s much touted young forward Mario Balotelli. While scouts from Man City have been watching Donovan, his club LA Galaxy have said that they have no intention of selling him. Whether they do or don’t city clearly are ready to throw more money at the problem of closing the gap on the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, and this will be their first outing for the pre-season. There is a lot of pressure on coach Mancini, and the increased spending will only increase that. It is a big season coming up for the club, and they will need to hit the ground running as they open the new season against Tottenham and then Liverpool. While City get to stretch their legs against Sporting Lisbon the question about betting on them for success in the new season, will be the old chestnut of whether you can buy success or not? That remains to be seen, but in football it usually helps. It certainly increases your chances.