This year’s Premier League Asia Trophy takes place in Hong Kong where big spenders South China will compete against Premiership opposition Liverpool in a tournament which also features Portsmouth and Fulham.
The competition uses a knock-out format, with Liverpool taking on South China in one semi-final, while Portsmouth tackle Fulham in the other on 24 July. The third place play-offs and final will be played on 27 July.
Liverpool
The bookmaker’s favourite and and it may give fans their first televised glimpse of record-buy Fernando Torres and another chance to see Ukranian forward Andriy Voronin. Manager Rafa Benitez will use these two matches as a work out in preparation for the Rotterdam Tournament in which they are also participating.
Portsmouth
Pompey are favourites to see off semi-final opponents Fulham and will give fans an early look at new strike pairing of John Utaka and England cap David Nugent. Expect to see an almost entirely changed starting line up as Sulley Muntari, Arnold Mvuemba, Martin Crainie, Sylvain Distin and Hermann Hreidarsson are all likely to figure.
Fulham
The semi final against Portsmouth will give new manager Lawrie Sanchez some form of benchmark to see how his side will fair next season. Expect to see a number of new faces taking part, inlcuding strikers Diomansy Kamara and David Healy, Steve Davis, Paul Konchesky, Aaron Hughes and Chris Baird.
South China
The rank outsiders but the hosts will want to put up a good show as the tournament is being held in Hong Kong for the first time. The Hong Kong First Division and FA Cup winners will undoubtedly enjoy their “glamour” semi-final against Liverpool but they should not be ruled out. Brazilian veteran striker Detinho scored 21 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions last season.
Friday 27 July
Third Place Play-Off
Fulham 1.22 (Betfred - £25 in Free Bets!)
Draw 6.0 (VCBet - £50 in Free Bets!)
South China 13.5 (Extrabet - £25 in Free Bets!)
Final
Liverpool 1.62 (Extrabet - £25 in Free Bets!)
Draw 3.8 (Bet365 - £100 in Free Bets!)
Portsmouth 5.5 (Ladbrokes - £20 in Free Bets!)
Tuesday 24 July - Semi Finals
South China 17.0 (Sporting Odds - £100 in Free Bets!)
Draw 8.0 (Bet365 - £100 in Free Bets!)
Liverpool 1.14 (Coral - £10 in Free Bets!)
Portsmouth 2.3 (Bet365 - £100 in Free Bets!)
Draw 3.2 (Ladbrokes - £20 in Free Bets!)
Fulham 3.0 (Extrabet - £25 in Free Bets!)
