The highly anticipated Joan Gamper Trophy clash between Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur is set to kick off at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, marking both teams’ final pre-season friendly ahead of the 2023/24 season. This article brings together all the essential information from three separate articles, providing a comprehensive preview of the match, including team news, predicted lineups, H2H records, and key talking points.
Barcelona vs Tottenham – Joan Gamper Trophy Preview:
Barcelona will host Tottenham Hotspur in the 2023 edition of their traditional pre-season Joan Gamper Trophy. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, 8th August, with kick-off time at 19:00 BST / 14:00 ET / 11:00 PT. The encounter will take place at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona’s home stadium for this season due to the ongoing renovation of Camp Nou.
Team News and Predicted Lineups:
Barcelona is expected to field a strong lineup, with key players such as Ter Stegen, De Jong, and Fati set to feature. Xavi may also provide opportunities to promising youngsters like Ilias Akhomach and Alejandro Balde. However, Ousmane Dembele is likely to miss the match as he nears a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Tottenham, led by new manager Ange Postecoglou, may make several changes from their previous match. Richarlison is set to be involved, while the likes of Kane, Maddison, and Romero could be rested ahead of their Premier League opener against Brentford. New signing Micky van de Ven might also make a quick debut if his transfer goes through in time.
H2H Record and Previous Meeting:
Barcelona and Tottenham have faced each other five times, with Barcelona winning twice, and three matches ending in draws. Their last encounter was during the 2018/19 Champions League group stage, where they played out a 1-1 draw.
Key Talking Points:
- New Season, New Stadium: Barcelona bids farewell to the iconic Camp Nou and will play their first game at the Montjuic stadium for the 2023/24 season. The Joan Gamper Trophy provides the perfect opportunity for the team to adjust to their new home.
- How Much Risk is Too Much Risk? Barcelona faces a dilemma regarding player selection, with the need to balance preparation and rest ahead of the league opener. Xavi must decide whether to field recently recovered players like Christensen and Gundogan or preserve them for the La Liga start.
- The Dembele Factor: Amidst transfer drama, Ousmane Dembele’s future remains uncertain. With a potential move to PSG looming, Barcelona will need to find suitable replacements on the wings. Raphinha is expected to start, but the right-wing position remains a question mark, with Ansu Fati and Gavi as possible options.
Score Prediction:
Barcelona enters the match as heavy favorites on paper, but Tottenham’s new-found attacking style could lead to an exciting, high-scoring contest. The prediction stands at Barcelona 3-2 Tottenham, with goals aplenty expected.
Conclusion:
The Barcelona vs Tottenham Joan Gamper Trophy promises to be an enticing encounter, providing fans with a glimpse of what to expect from both teams in the upcoming season. With the new stadium, tactical decisions, and transfer uncertainties at play, the match is sure to deliver an exciting spectacle on the pitch.
