La Liga champions Barcelona are set to begin their pre-season tour of the Far East on Sunday, taking on J1 League leaders Vissel Kobe in their opening friendly match in Japan.
The fixture had been thrown into doubt earlier in the week due to a dispute with promoters, but the issues, believed to be financial, were resolved, allowing the highly anticipated game to go ahead as planned.
The main attraction for Barcelona fans will be the potential unofficial debut of star new signing, Marcus Rashford. The English forward has been included in the 30-man traveling squad after completing his loan move from Manchester United and will have a chance to shine on Sunday.
Fellow new additions, youngster Roony Bardghji and goalkeeper Joan García, are also on the tour and could feature. However, first-choice keeper Marc-André ter Stegen is a notable absentee as he is set to undergo back surgery.
Their opponents, Vissel Kobe, will provide a stern test. Unlike Barcelona, the Japanese side are in the middle of their domestic season and are in excellent form, currently sitting at the top of the J1 League table. Their superior match fitness and sharpness could pose a significant challenge for Hansi Flick’s side.
Despite Vissel Kobe’s mid-season advantage, Barcelona’s overwhelming quality should ultimately see them through. Manager Hansi Flick is expected to rotate his squad heavily and give opportunities to a host of young players, but the Spanish champions should still have enough to start their summer preparations on a winning note.
Prediction: Vissel Kobe 1–2 Barcelona