As Barcelona prepares for their 2024-25 campaign, they will kick off with a high-profile friendly against Premier League champions Manchester City on July 31, 2024, at 12 am UK time. This match, held at the Camping World Stadium, promises to be a fascinating encounter as both teams gear up for the new season.
Barcelona, under new leadership with Hansi Flick at the helm, will be keen to start strong. The Catalan giants finished second in La Liga last season and were knocked out in the quarter-finals of both the Champions League and Copa del Rey. Flick’s side ended last season with a flourish, winning their last four league matches, and will now take on Man City, Real Madrid, and AC Milan as part of their US Tour.
Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, has already played twice in the United States, facing defeats against Celtic and AC Milan. The Citizens will begin their new campaign against Manchester United in the Community Shield on August 10, followed by their Premier League opener away to Chelsea on August 18. Despite winning their fourth consecutive Premier League title last season, Man City fell short in the Champions League and FA Cup.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Barcelona’s squad for the US Tour includes 31 players, with familiar faces like Alejandro Balde returning to fitness. However, key players such as Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, and Ansu Fati are out due to injury. Raphinha and Ilkay Gundogan will join the team on Monday, with Jules Kounde arriving on August 1. Flick is expected to start with an experienced lineup, including Robert Lewandowski leading the attack.
For Man City, several key players, including Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Jeremy Doku, are unavailable due to international commitments. Julian Alvarez is representing Argentina at the Olympics. Despite these absences, Ederson is expected to start in goal, with new signing Mateo Kovacic and star striker Erling Haaland featuring in the lineup.
Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; J Araujo, I Martinez, Christensen, Fort; Romeu, Gundogan, Torre; Roque, Lewandowski, Victor.
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Ederson; Lewis, Simpson-Pusey, Doyle, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Perrone; Bobb, McAtee, Grealish; Haaland.
Match Prediction
Given Manchester City’s two goal-filled matches this summer, we anticipate an entertaining clash. Barcelona’s quality should pose a challenge to Man City’s youthful defense, while the English champions will look to exploit weaknesses at the other end. Our prediction: Barcelona 2-2 Manchester City.
For a detailed data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines, and more, please click here.
Source: Sports Mole.
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