Premier League holders Leicester City will look to bounce back from a heavy defeat against Paris Saint-Germain when they face Barcelona in the International Champions Cup at the Friends Arena in Solna, Sweden, on 3 August. The Foxes were crushed by Ligue 1 titlists Paris Saint-Germain 4-0 at the StubHub Center on Sunday. Ranieri’s boys could find no answer to PSG’s attacks.
Barcelona started their pre-season in style with a 3-1 win against Scottish champions Celtic with Arda Turan and Munir putting their names on the scoresheet. The La Liga holders will head into the game against the Premier League champions as firm favourites.
Leicester are in a desperate need for a win before their FA Community Shield game against Manchester United this weekend. The Foxes needed penalties to see off Celtic in their first pre-season encounter. Without Jamie Vardy, Leicester beating Barcelona would need a miracle although the Foxes are miracle makers.
Predicted Leicester City lineup against Barcelona
Defence
Danish international Kasper Schmeichel is likely to start between the sticks ahead of new arrival Ron-Robert Zieler. Danny Simpson is likely to replace new signing Luis Hernandez in the right-back position. Claudio Ranieri is likely to field his best centre-back pairing of Wes Morgan and Robert Huth at the heart of the defence to deal with dangerous Luis Suarez. Youngster Ben Chilwell is likely to start as the left-back. The highly-rated Leicester City starlet will have probably the toughest job on his hands i.e. to keep Lionel Messi silent.
Midfield
New signing Nampalys Mendy is likely to start in the middle of the park. The Frenchman was brought in to fill in the boots of his compatriot N’Golo Kante who had a key role in making the Foxes the champions of England. The 24-year-old will be keen to prove his worth to the fans with a strong showing against mighty Barcelona. Danny Drinkwater is likely to partner Mendy at the heart of the park. Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton were the first-choice wingers at the club last season and the duo are likely to feature on the flanks against Barcelona.
Attack
Nigerian international Ahmed Musa is likely to start the game alongside Shinji Okazaki. Barcelona defence will definitely find themselves in danger if Musa can create a good partnership with Japanese international Okazaki up front.
