Gavi, Rashford start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Como in the Gamper | OneFootball

Barcelona will complete their summer preparations when they face Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy 2025, their final preseason match before the new La Liga campaign kicks off.

This will be an important test for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona preseason squad, as they look to carry momentum from an outstanding Asia tour where they scored 15 goals in three matches against Vissel Kobe, FC Seoul, and Daegu FC.

The Barcelona vs Como match will also be a special occasion for visiting manager Cesc Fabregas, who returns to face his former club.

Due to the ongoing renovations at Camp Nou, the annual Joan Gamper Trophy fixture will be staged at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, offering a closer and more personal atmosphere for fans.

Defence

In goal, Joan Garcia is set to start once again. The new Barcelona number one, although not officially registered yet, has been signed with a long-term future in mind and is expected to be Flick’s first-choice goalkeeper for this match and beyond.

Joan Garcia will start for Barcelona. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

In defence, the exit of Inigo Martinez to Al Nassr has cleared the way for Ronald Araujo to return to the starting XI. He will partner with Pau Cubarsi, who is back to full fitness after his injury in the Daegu match.

On the right side, Jules Kounde will keep his place at right-back, while Alejandro Balde will operate on the left.

Midfield

Midfield stability will be key for Barcelona’s Joan Gamper Trophy lineup, and Flick is expected to field his strongest trio.

Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will form the double pivot, controlling possession and dictating the game’s tempo.

With Dani Olmo’s participation uncertain, it is to be noted that Gavi is likely to take the attacking midfield role.

The young star ended the Asia tour as Barcelona’s top scorer, making him an obvious choice for this position.

Attack

Marcus Rashford is likely to start. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

The forward line will see a key change, as Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out with injury. This gives Marcus Rashford the chance to return to the Barcelona starting XI vs Como, with Ferran Torres being given a rest after a heavy workload in training and matches.

On the wings, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal will continue to provide pace, width, and creativity.

Although this match is technically a friendly, Flick will treat it like a dress rehearsal for the La Liga opener.

The Joan Gamper Trophy 2025 is not just about lifting silverware in front of the fans, but also about fine-tuning tactics, building match rhythm, and ensuring player chemistry is ready for competitive action.

Como, under the leadership of Fabregas, will arrive motivated and ready to test Barcelona’s shape and structure.

However, with a strong mix of experienced players and young talent, Barcelona’s predicted lineup vs Como looks more than capable of producing a dominant display.

The team will aim to finish the pre-season unbeaten, build confidence, and show the fans that they are ready to defend their La Liga title.