Barcelona predicted line-up to face Vissel Kobe in preseason clash | OneFootball

FC Barcelona finally return to action in a friendly match after their recent vacation. Having finished last season on a high note with three major domestic trophies, La Blaugrana want to prepare for next campaign as well. Fortunately, this tour to Asia gives Barcelona a chance to do that.

First up on this tour for the Catalan giants is a game against Japanese side Vissel Kobe. While it is next to impossible to perfectly predict what kind of starting eleven Hansi Flick would pick for this game, considering that it is likely that two different starting elevens will play both halves, a decent enough guess can be made.

Here is how Barcelona could line up for the game against Vissel Kobe.

Expected Line-up:

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

Having arrived this summer, Joan Garcia is expected to be Barça’s starting goalkeeper moving forward. In case he starts, he should have a great opportunity to show off what he can offer.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

With Barcelona closing in on a renewal for Jules Kounde, the club continues to trust the French defender. A consistent player who offers a lot of versatility, he remains essential to Hansi Flick’s plans.

Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi

The young Spaniard continues to be a crucial piece of the puzzle for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona. His ball-playing ability is second to none, and he could once again show that in this game.

Centre-back: Inigo Martinez

Still at the club, Inigo Martinez continues to be an important player for Barcelona despite his age. He was a consistently great part of the squad last season, and this friendly could a good match for him to return to action as a starter.

Left-back: Alejandro Balde

Energetic and dynamic on the left flank, Alejandro Balde is Flick’s starting left-back for good reason. His speed and power almost always causes trouble for opponents, and needing him to be fresh for the new season is crucial for Barça.

Pedri and Lamine Yamal could start together for Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

CDM: Frenkie de Jong

With the Dutchman’s renewal also expected to be addressed soon, his presence remains integral to this team. Frenkie de Jong offers undeniable quality, and Flick remains committed to using him to his full potential.

Always the metronome and orchestrator of this Barcelona team, Pedri is the beating heart of Flick’s side. With him in the team, Barça almost always gets to play the football they want to play more fluidly.

The Barcelona starboy, now also the club’s new number ‘10’, has already established himself as a world beater. This match could be a chance to stretch his legs and get back in form ahead of the official season.

A lot of rumours have spiralled around talking about Flick’s potential setup for the squad next season. In some, Dani Olmo is benched for Marcus Rashford while others suggest the opposite, so if the Spaniard does end up starting he should see it as a golden opportunity to prove why he deserves to start.

An undisputed starter for Hansi Flick, and for good reason. Raphinha had the season of a lifetime in his previous campaign, and this is a chance for him to continue with that unreal form.

The Polish forward had arguably his best season in a Barcelona shirt in the last campaign. This game could be a good opportunity for him to show that he can do it yet again if needed.