FC Barcelona look set to conclude their pre-season once and for all with a clash against English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys which will be the home stadium for Barcelona during the 2023/2024 campaign while Camp Nou continues with its reconstruction.
Facing off in the annual Joan Gamper Trophy, both teams are expected to field strong sides to compete within this particular clash of two massive English and Spanish clubs. Here is how FC Barcelona could line up against Spurs.
Expected Line-up of FC Barcelona:
- Goalkeeper: Marc Andre Ter Stegen
Without a doubt the man for Barcelona and Xavi Hernandez between the goalposts, the German will represent the Catalans as their captain for much of this season despite being the second captain by hierarchy, but much more likely to start games more often than Sergi Roberto, who remains the first captain.
- Right-back: Ronald Araujo
The positional dilemma with Jules Kounde may finally have concluded for both the player and Xavi Hernandez, but for the moment, Barcelona’s best right-back and central defender are both the same individual, Ronald Araujo. With the Uruguayan’s quality and versatility, Barcelona are provided huge comfort when it comes to defensive quality.
- Centre-back: Eric Garcia
Continues to be a great asset for Barcelona in terms of building up from the back given his abilities on the ball. However, still needs work on his defensive attributes and a game against Spurs could be a decent clash to showcase any improvements in.
- Centre-back: Jules Kounde
The French defender has reportedly been assured by Xavi Hernandez that his place in this current Barcelona side will be primarily as a central defender and only on necessary occasions would he be deployed as a fullback.
- Left-back: Alejandro Balde
A massive talent and a Barcelona mainstay in his own right, his immense talent and raw ability were both at display against Real Madrid and AC Milan during the pre-season tour and he will be hoping to continue that fine form against Spurs.
- CDM: Oriol Romeu
The veteran’s performances as the team’s primary pivot have thus far been promising and continue to prove why Barcelona and Xavi Hernandez entrusted such a huge responsibility on to his shoulders.
- CM: Ilkay Gundogan
Following an injury scare against Real Madrid, the player was rested against AC Milan to avoid any relapses or aggravation of prior discomfort. Now, however, may be a golden opportunity for the German midfielder to showcase his quality to the Barcelona fans.
- CM: Frenkie De Jong
Continues to dazzle and daze through his displays. Apparently, the partnership with Oriol Romeu by his side gives the Dutchman much more freedom to play his own unique brand of football, something that has been heavily beneficial to Barcelona.
- Left-winger: Pedri
Similar to his display against Real Madrid, Pedri’s deployment as a false left winger ensures midfield superiority as well as more control of the ball in the final third of the field as well.
- Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
Continues to be the main attraction for opposing defenders to deal with, his ability to lure in opponents allows his teammates more space to flourish and if said opponents lose sight of him even momentarily, he has the goal-scoring ability to punish them.
- Right-winger: Raphinha
In light of Dembele’s departure to French club Paris Saint-Germain, Brazilian winger Raphinha is presented with a golden opportunity to showcase his own unique worth and display why he was brought in by Barcelona as a potential Dembele replacement.
