Arsenal-Barcelona is a friendly and will be played on the Italian night between Wednesday and Thursday at 04:30: TV, streaming, line-ups, predictions
In 2006, these two teams contested the most coveted cup, the Champions League, with Ronaldinho and Deco’s Barcelona coming out on top in the final in Paris, breaking Arsenal’s dream of winning the first cup with the big ears in its history. The Gunners can try again next season, which coincides with their return to the most prestigious event, last played in the 2016-17 season.
For now, the one with Xavi’s Blaugrana – yes, he was there in that Barcelona side that became European champions for the second time – is just a luxury friendly on the Soccer Champions Tour, which sees Juventus and AC Milan playing in addition to Manchester United and Real Madrid (on the pitch a few hours earlier). For Barça, it is their first outing since being in the United States. In fact, Lewandowski and his teammates were supposed to face Massimiliano Allegri’s Bianconeri last Saturday, but a gastrointestinal virus knocked out practically the entire squad, forcing the club to request the cancellation of the match. It will instead be the fourth test for the Londoners, fresh from a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United (Arsenal were then beaten on penalties).
Earlier, Mikel Arteta’s men had overwhelmed a representative of the MLS, the top North American league, with a resounding 5-0.
Pedri
Only a draw (1-1) in the first days of training camp against Nürnberg. The Gunners, however, are well ahead of the Catalans in their preparations, as they face their first official engagement (the Community Shield) on 6 August against Haaland and Guardiola’s Manchester City. Arteta must do without only Nelson and Zinchenko, while as for the eleven fielded by Guardiola, the unknowns are undoubtedly numerous. Certainly absent are Koundé, Balde, Garcia and Romeu, who is still struggling with the virus.
The prediction
The difference in condition could make the difference in a friendly that should see both teams score anyway. Arsenal slightly favoured
Arsenal-Barcelona
The likely Arsenal-Barcelona line-up
- ARSENAL (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Tierney; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli.
- BARCELONA (4-3-3): ter Stegen; Sergi Roberto, Christensen, Inigo Martinez, Marcos Alonso; Gundogan, Kessié, Pedri; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Ansu Fati.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
