Preview for Vissel Kobe v Barcelona
Barcelona open their pre-season campaign tomorrow in Japan after their on-off friendly against Vissel Kobe was confirmed as going ahead.
The match had been cancelled due to a row between the Catalan club and the promoter before the unspecified issue was resolved and the squad jetted out to the Far East.
Barca did not participate in the Club World Cup but that’s not to say it has been a quiet summer for the Liga champions.
The ongoing uncertainty over when they can return to the revamped Camp Nou continues to dominate the agenda while the off-field activity of Lamine Yamal has kept the headline writers busy.
Barca have only signed two players but even they have caused a stir.
First, they captured goalkeeper Joan Garcia from crosstown rivals Espanyol in a move that caused huge local controversy before they then completed the signing of Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford.
Rashford has joined on a season-long loan with Barca having an option to buy next summer. It is a massive opportunity for the England international, who showed flashes of his best at Aston Villa in the second half of last term.
Garcia and Rashford will strengthen a squad that claimed a league and cup double last season under Hansi Flick.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski accepts the pressure is on.
The Poland international said: “The most important thing is the titles we want to win. I can help with my performances, but the important thing is the goal of the team.
“This year will be more difficult, because all the teams want to beat us. I think we can improve on last year, we can play better. There were games that we didn’t play perfectly because we were a young team, but we can do more.”
Lewandowski is excited at having Rashford alongside him in Barca’s front three.
“He is a very talented player, he is in shape and can help us in different positions,” he added. “His versatility will be very important and that is good for the team.
“Rashford is a great signing. I’m convinced he can help us a lot.”
The home side ought to give Barca a good run out. Vissel sit top of the J.League standings after 24 games.
Team News for Vissel Kobe v Barcelona
Barca have taken a 30-man squad on the tour and it is likely the bulk of them will see some playing time.
Rashford is unlikely to start given his recent arrival but Garcia should be between the sticks.
Expected line-ups for Vissel Kobe v Barcelona
Vissel Kobe: Maekawa; Sakai, Yamakawa, Thuler, Nagato; Ideguchi, Ogihara, Erik, Miyashiro, Hirose; Sasaki
Barcelona: Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Araujo, Balde; De Jong, Pedri, Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski
How to watch Vissel Kobe v Barcelona
Vissel Kobe versus Barcelona kicks off tomorrow at 11am UK time. It can be watched and streamed on DAZN.
Stats for Vissel Kobe v Barcelona
- Barca have not played since the final day of last season, when they concluded their La Liga campaign with a 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao
- Barca have not lost in 90 minutes away from Catalonia since a Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund on April 15
- Vissel Kobe are unbeaten in their last nine games in league and cup
- Vissel Kobe’s last defeat was a 3-2 setback at Shimizu on May 25
Prediction for Vissel Kobe v Barcelona
Flick will be able to rotate his squad and expect most players to feature for no more than 45 minutes.
That ought to be enough for their class to shine through, however.
Prediction: Vissel Kobe 0-2 Barcelona