Barcelona are set to face off against Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy matchup. After playing a great deal of youngsters in the US Pre Season tour, Flick is set to deploy the more seasoned starters that his squad is composed of.
Frenkie De Jong, Ronald Araujo, Pedri, and Gavi are all guaranteed to miss out on the game due to their respective injuries. Additionally, Barca’s Olympic Gold winners in Fermin Lopez, and Pau Cubarsi are also unlikely to feature in the game.
All eyes will be set on Barca’s new 60 million Euro acquisition, Dani Olmo, who is not expected to start but is certain to feature in the game as a substitute.
Defense
Barcelona’s center back pairing is expected to comprise of Andreas Christensen and Inigo Martinez. Whereas, Flick is set to utilise the talents of Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde on their respective flanks.
This is a combination of the back four that the Catalans could make use of as a regular starting lineup when the season inevitably begins.
Midfield
Having demonstrated an exceptional level of football at their young ages, Marc Bernal and Marc Casado are poised to start the Joan Gamper Trophy game.
However in the advanced midfield role, Flick could deploy either Ilkay Gundogan or Pablo Torre. Flick’s choice depends on whether he would to continue the theme of youth in midfield or add some experience in this pivotal area.
Attack
Barcelona’s front three is almost confirmed to comprise of Raphinha, Pau Victor, and Robert Lewandowski. Pau Victor deserves to be rewarded for his exceptional pre season.
Although it is expected for Victor to start on the left and Raphinha to start on the right, they could interchange their positions for certain instances of the game owing to the versatility of both these attackers.
