Pre-Season Friendlies: Dortmund to outscore Atletico

Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid haven't peaked in pre-season

The Champions League qualifiers aren't televised, but two friendlies are, with Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid in action...

Slask Wroclaw v Borussia Dortmund
Wednesday, 16:00
Live on British Eurosport

Match Odds: Slask Wroclaw 11.010/1, Borussia Dortmund 1.3130/100, The Draw 6.25/1

If you ignore the daily debating over Marco Reus' future, it has been a reasonably cheery summer for Borussia Dortmund. The only high-profile departure was one that they were well prepared for, Robert Lewandowski following Mario Gotze to Bayern Munich, while four new bodies have arrived.

The most intriguing additions are Matthias Ginter, Adrian Ramos and Ciro Immobile for a combined sum of around 27 million, though if you were looking for a negative, it is arguable that each have been bought on the strength of one impressive top-flight season, and that such an approach is risky.

As far as most Betfair punters are concerned, it barely matters what they do, such is the support for 1.162/13 Bundesliga favourites Bayern Munich, with Dortmund 8.415/2 afterthoughts. As for this friendly in Poland, over 4.5 goals is a reasonable wager at 3.45n/a having paid out in five of their six to date.

Galatasaray v Atletico Madrid
Wednesday, 19:00
Live on Sky Sports 1

Match Odds: Galatasaray 3.39/4, Atletico Madrid 2.245/4, The Draw 3.65n/a

This writer has argued the case for Atletico winning La Liga again, with 14.5n/a odds disrespectful to the holders, particularly as they have covered the loss of Thibaut Courtois, Felipe Luis, David Villa and Diego Costa by signing Jan Oblak, Guilherme Siqueira, Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic.

The biggest Galatasaray change came in the dugout, as former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli replaced Roberto Mancini following their title dethronement and disagreement over club direction. Didier Drogba has left and recruits haven't been too illustrious, their costliest purchase being Trabzonspor winger Olcan Adin.

There is a temptation to lay Atletico at 2.265/4 because they haven't been at their best yet in pre-season as they acclimatise to the various comings and goings, but under 2.5 goals is an even more appetising option at 2.1411/10 having been a constant feature of their friendlies to date.