[ad_1]
Preparations are under way for Chelsea to face Barcelona at the Rakuten Cup on Tuesday morning.
The Blues will face the champions of Spain at Saitama Stadium in hopes of improving their pre – season performance.
Frank Lampard's team suffered a 1-0 defeat to little-known Kawasaki Frontale in their previous match, after defeating the Irishman St Patrick's and drawing with Bohemians.
images from getty
The Frank Lampard era in Chelsea is well and truly launched
The former English international knows exactly what the Blaugrana are after having participated in several memorable events between the two teams – leading the team for the Champions League semi-finals in 2011.
"Barcelona is a team that I have good memories of, good or bad," he said on the club's official website.
"I've always had a huge respect for them because when you play against Barcelona, you know you're playing against, do you say, more than a club, and I agree with that .
"We are very proud to be here to play this game."
images from getty
Lampard knows everything about Barcelona
News from the team
Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie De Jong are about to make their debut in Barcelona, but Ernesto Valverde may not have many celebrity names.
Following their exploits at the Copa America, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi were granted an extended leave, as well as Philippe Coutinho, target of Liverpool.
For Chelsea, Tammy Abraham and goaltender Kepa Arrizabalaga could be back after missing the defeat against Kawasaki Frontale due to an illness.
images from getty
New Barcelona footballers Frenkie de Jong, Hiroki Abe, Neto and Antoine Griezmann pose in front of Japanese President and CEO Rakuten Hiroshi Mikitani and head coach Ernesto Valverde
Midfielder N'Golo Kante is back in the UK for further rehabilitation following a knee injury contracted late last season. The French international has not played in Chelsea's preseason yet.
Chelsea also does not have long-term absentees Loftus-Cheek, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Willian and Antonio Rudiger while they continue their rehab for long-term injuries.
Expected Chelsea team
Buildlineup.com
Here's how the Blues could line up at Saitama Stadium
Although Christian Pulisic got his first minutes in a Chelsea jersey in his last match, expect to see the experienced player Pedro make his debut against his former camp.
Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen are both expected to play a starting spot alongside David Luiz next season, with first-choice defenders Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta.
No doubt Mason Mount and Ross Barkley have been the most outstanding performers of the Blues so far, Tiemoue Bakayoko is also enjoying a strong comeback.
[ad_2]
Source link
