FC Barcelona will wrap up their preseason preperations tonight as they face Mexican champions Club Leon in this years edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy. After a mixed set of results in the previous four friendlies, The Blaugrana’s will be eager to put on a show for both new manager Luis Enrique and a packed out Camp Nou. This is the last opportunity the side will have to prepare for the new La Liga season as their season opener is this weekend against Elche FC. The side are arguably the most prepared they have been this season as they welcome their coveted stars return to action. Tonight is a glimpse into the future for the Catalan Club, and preparation for a Clasico, making it much more than a friendly.
Lionel Messi, Neymar and even Luis Suarez will, to the joy of supporters, be available for tonights match. Typically, the Gamper trophy is seen as the yearly curtain raiser – a chance to unveil the squad for the upcoming season. It will therefore be no suprise if we see a a bulk of the squad in action tonight. However, the main focus will be on the Catalan stars- Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. Will the South American triumvirate start together? If they dont, will they feature alongside each other at any point in the game? With the full squad back together, a new coach and the inspiring Camp Nou crowd behind them, FC Barcelona can start something magical tonight.
TEAM NEWS
FC BARCELONA
Those supporters pining for world cup stars Lionel Messi and Neymar to take their place in the squad will be tonight granted their wish. Neymars presence in the squad is perhaps surprising due to the nature of the injury he sustained during the World cup but the young Brazillian has been playing a full part in training with seemingly no-ill effects. He may not play a full game but he is likely to play some part in tonights action. Messi will finally get given the chance to relish some semi-competitive action as he returns, fully rested, from his own World Cup exertions. They will be joined up front by new signing Luis Suarez, a late addition to the team after the decision made by the CAS allowed him to train and partake in friendlies.
CLUB LEON
Opponents Club Leon have recently lost their captain, former Barcelona stalwart Rafa Marquez, as he departed for Hellas Verona. However, in a unique twist his new Serie A club have allowed him to return for one final goodbye. After a sensational World Cup, Rafa proved to fans all over the world that he can still play at the very highest level. The club will welcome him back tonight as a “special guest”, with the new signings also ready to be shown off.
PREDICTED LINE UPS
FC Barcelona: Bravo; Alves, Bartra, Mathieu, Alba , Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta, Messi, Rafinha, Pedro
Club Leon: Yarbrough; Delgado, Marquez, Magallon, Gonzalez, Edwin; Elias, Vazquez, Cardenas; Rivera, Boselli