Barcelona begin their preparations for the 2024/25 football season with a glamour friendly against Manchester City in Orlando on Tuesday night.
Barcelona vs Man City odds
Find the latest match odds for Barcelona vs Man City. All odds are provided by our best-reviewed football betting sites. Odds are subject to change.
⚡Quick Barcelona vs Man City betting tips
Barcelona vs Man City predictions
Barcelona are just getting started in the USA. They will face a Manchester City side that has already played twice in the country, losing both.
As well as being the first match of the pre-season for the Catalans, it will also be the first time the team will be led by new head coach Hansi Flick.
Flick was appointed as the new Barcelona boss at the end of May in bizarre circumstances. Previous head coach Xavi announced in January that he intended to step down at the end of the season. The club then persuaded the former player to stay on in April, before changing their mind and sacking him just over a month later.
Barcelona are taking a 31-man squad to tour the USA. But there are some notable absentees with Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres both rested after their Euro 2024 exploits. Also missing is Fermin Lopez, Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi. The trio are currently representing Spain at the Paris Olympics.
As for Manchester City, they have already been beaten twice on their tour of the USA.
A somewhat makeshift side started the tour off with a 4-3 defeat to Celtic last Wednesday, and a similar looking team went down 3-2 to AC Milan on Saturday night in New York.
Guardiola has also been outspoken in recent days, bemoaning the fixture schedule.
His squad in the USA is without Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku. All have been given an extended break after the recents Euros. Guardiola has indicated they will all be looked after with a long and gruelling season ahead.
However, linking up with the squad in America are Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic. The Croatian duo will join the likes of Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish and should be available for the Barca clash.
Barcelona vs Man City betting tips
There is no Barcelona form to go on, and Manchester City don’t look to be having a great time in the USA. City has been busy at both ends of the pitch, scoring and conceding plenty, and we can only see that continuing against Barcelona in Florida.
Erling Haaland to score any time – 6/5 (bet365)
Erling Haaland has two goals in two matches on Manchester City’s American tour. The back-to-back Premier League Golden Boot winner is one of the big names on the trip given Norway’s failure to make it to the Euros in Germany.
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Haaland’s fellow City striker Julian Alvarez is currently away on international duty with Argentina. So with Alvarez trying to add an Olympic gold to his impressive medal collection, the big Norwegian looks set to lead the City line again against Barcelona.
In a match likely to see plenty of attacking football, don’t be surprised to see Haaland on the scoresheet again.
⚽ Bet on Erling Haaland to score any time at 6/5 with bet365 ⚽
Over 4.5 goals – 11/5 (BetMGM)
Despite this being Barca’s opening fixture of the summer, we can still see them playing an expansive game as they look to put on a show for their American audience.
The Catalans may be without a whole host of attacking talent. But they still have plenty to offer up front with Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Toni Fernandez and Pau Victor all in the squad.
Both of Manchester City’s matches on their tour of the USA have seen plenty of goals. City will want to play to their strengths. And with nearly all of their regular defence missing, Pep Guardiola will know that attack is the best form of defence against his former team.
Attacks are likely to be on top in this match, meaning there should be plenty of goals.
⚽ Back over 4.5 goals at 11/5 with BetMGM ⚽
Barcelona to come from behind and win – 7/1 (bet365)
In their 4-3 defeat to Celtic, City had to fight back from 1-0 down and 3-1 down. When Pep’s team got the match back to 3-3, they looked set to win. Instead they went down to a 4-3 defeat.
A similar theme followed in City’s 3-2 defeat against AC Milan. On this occasion, City went 1-0 up thanks to an opening goal by Erling Haaland after 19 minutes. City then found themselves 2-1 down after a brace from Lorenzo Colombo. James McAtee levelled the match for the Light Blues after 55 minutes, and then Marco Nasti won the match for the Italians with a goal on 78 minutes.
In both matches City has been level going into the last 30 minutes, and they have lost them both.
If City go into the lead, there is a good chance they won’t hold onto it. The Light Blues have an inexperienced defence on this tour, and there’s a good chance they won’t be able to keep a Barcelona side featuring guys like Robert Lewandowski quiet.
⚽ Back Barcelona to come from behind and beat Man City at 7/1 with bet365⚽
📺 How to watch Barcelona vs Man City
- Location: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida.
- Date and time: Wednesday 31st July 2024, 12am BST.
- How to watch: Premier Sports 1 and CITY + (Man City streaming service).
About the author
Dean Etheridge
Dean Etheridge is an experienced freelance sports betting writer who specialises in football. He predominantly covers the Premier League and Champions League but can turn his hand to all aspects of the beautiful game. You can follow Dean on LinkedIn (@deanetheridge)
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