Barcelona vs Leicester City – International Champions Cup – Preview

Posted on August 1, 2016 by Sreya

Barcelona take on Leicester City at the Friends Arena in Solna, Sweden on 2nd August for the International Champions Cup in a mouth-watering clash between the La Liga and English Premier League champions of last season.

Barcelona faced Celtic in their first pre-season game after a long break following their Copa Del Rey win over Sevilla in May. Barcelona were quick out of their blocks as they defeated Celtic 3-1 in their previous International Champions Cup fixture.

Last season’s English Premier League champions have already been weakened by the departure of N’Golo Kante and suffered a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain in their previous pre-season fixture.

“These games are for fitness. It was good for all the players and staff in the dressing room to see where we need to be, but it’s still pre season and we’re all still trying to find our feet.”

– Danny Simpson, Leicester City.

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Leicester City had a miraculous season en route to their Premiership win and although it would be nearly impossible to recreate the magic, Claudio Ranieri will hope to hold on to some of his star performers and put together a challenge for the top six of the Premier League.

Jamie Vardy continues to remain absent after his stint with England during the Euros. Barcelona, meanwhile, are closer to being full strength with both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez expected to start up front.

Barcelona Possible Starting Lineup: Jordi Masip; Aleix Vidal, Jose Martinez, Jeremy Mathieu, Juan Camara; Denis Suárez, Sergi Roberto, Arda Turan; Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Munir.

Leicester City Possible Starting Lineup: Kasper Schmeichel; Luis Hernandez, Morgan, Robert Huth, Chilwell; Riyad Mahrez, Nampalys Mendy, Amartey, Jeffrey Schlupp; Leo Ulloa, Shinji Okazaki.

According to Head-2-Head statistics, Barcelona have never played Leicester City in a competitive fixture. Barcelona are expected to cruise through the match with another 3-1 win being the most probable result.