Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi challenges Nastic´s defense during a friendly football … [+]
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FC Barcelona take to the field for the second time since Saturday this evening in Catalonia, with a friendly against provincial rivals Girona.
In the fixture, new head coach Ronald Koeman will look to build on what worked in the weekend’s 3-1 win over Gimnastic de Tarragona, and there may be some suprises across the squad.
Yesterday throwing out the possibility of a move to Juventus, as he will not have enough time until the October 5 transfer deadline to obtain Italian citzenship, Luis Suarez could be included in the proceedings after being dropped for the Gimnastic clash.
Previously told by Koeman he was unwanted and should seek pastures new, there has been a dramatic U-turn in the Dutchman reportedly telling his Uruguayan charge he counts on him for the 2020/2021 season if not moved on.
In a similar vein, Koeman has also admitted that his former Netherlands national team striker Memphis Depay will not be bought until there are departures.
Already bidding farewell to his Camp Nou colleagues, Arturo Vidal will play no part against Girona nor will the likes of Juan Miranda and Ilaix Moriba, who have been demoted to the B team.
Unveiled yesterday as a new Barça player, Miralem Pjanic could feature with the fate of Rafinha also up in the air.
Given Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is injured, Neto is likely to start between the sticks protected by a backline of Jordi Alba, Clement Lenglet, Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto.
As the double pivots in a 4-2-3-1, Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong will provide support to a more attacking midfield three of Ousmane Dembele and Pedri on the left and right wings while Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi interchange as a lone striker and CAM.
At half time, it is probable that Koeman completely changes his XI as seen in the Gimnastic win, and this will pave the way for the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Francisco Trincao, Carles Alena and Riqui Puig to impress.
Suffering a hip knock in training last Friday, Ansu Fati is out but could return for Saturday’s Joan Gamper tie that sees the Blaugrana host Elche.
