After kickstarting their pre-season with a 4-0 win over Gimnastic, Barcelona will be looking to further their preparations when they host Girona at Estadi Johan Cruyff later today.
Manager Ronald Koeman is slowly starting to welcome back his first-team regulars following their international assignments during the summer. So, there could be game-time for the likes of Clement Lenglet, Antoine Griezmann even though their futures at the club remain uncertain.
Koeman has named a 24-man squad for the friendly, which also has a place for new signing Memphis Depay. The Dutchman was unveiled as a Barcelona player recently and is in line to feature when the Catalans lock horns with Girona.
With Marc-Andre ter Stegen still recovering from his injury, Neto is expected to man the goal once again for Barca, although youngster Inaki Pena may get some playing time later in the game.
Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti are likely to be retained as the centre-back partnership, with the latter hoping to prove himself to the manager amid doubts over his future. Sergino Dest and Alejandro Balde, fresh after signing a new contract, remain the obvious picks at full-back.
Miralem Pjanic got a run out at the base of the midfield in Koeman’s 4-3-3 against Gimnastic in the absence of Sergio Busquets. Tonight, however, young Nico Gonzalez could be in line for a starting berth, having made a solid impression during training sessions.
Frenkie de Jong is back in the squad as well, but could not be thrust into the starting XI right away. Instead, Sergi Roberto and Riqui Puig could be given yet another opportunity to stake a claim for regular involvement once the season kicks off.
Moving into the final third of the pitch, Depay should make his debut as a Barcelona player, starting in a central role against Girona. The Dutchman, who will be looking to make an instant impact, is likely to be flanked by another new signing in the form of Yusuf Demir on the right while Alex Collado slots in on the left.
