Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Barcelona team news: Predicted 4-3-3 line up vs Chelsea – Griezmann debut but no Messi
BARCELONA could be set to give three summer signings their debuts when the La Liga giants begin their pre-season programme against Chelsea.
Barcelona team arrive in Tokyo for pre-season tour
Ernesto Valverde will hope to get a good look at a trio of new arrivals when Barcelona begin their pre-season tour against Chelsea.
The Catalan club kick off their Rakuten Cup fixtures against the Blues and will look to make a positive start with several new faces having joined the squad.
Goalkeeper Neto could be handed his debut if preferred to Marc Andre ter Stegen between the posts while midfielder Frenkie de Jong may finally make his first appearance, having agreed a move to the Nou Camp in January.
Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann completed a high-profile switch from Atletico Madrid during the summer and is in contention to start as he looks to justify his £107million price tag.
However, the Frenchman is sure to be joined by some unfamiliar personnel with Barca including a host of youth players in their touring party.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have both been left at home for the trip to Japan following their Copa America exertions, meaning Malcom could get a rare run-out in attack.
Ousmane Dembele is also in the squad but 21-year-old Carlos Perez may get the nod out wide, particularly after Hiroki Abe has been ruled out with a hip injury.
De Jong is expected to line up alongside Sergio Busquets while one of Monchu, Riqui Puig or Carles Alena may complete the three-man midfield although Ivan Rakitic offers plenty of experience on the bench.
Jordi Alba and Nelson Semedo should start in the full-back roles, although Sergi Roberto is another option for Valverde.
Meanwhile, Samuel Umtiti will hope to start as he looks to find some form ahead of the new season and will be partnered by Jean-Clair Todibo if Clement Lenglet and Gerard Pique are not utilised.
Chelsea are currently finding their feet under new manager Frank Lampard and have registered a win, draw and loss in his first three matches.
The Blues will be without N’Golo Kante after the Frenchman suffered a recurrence of a knee injury but have an otherwise fully-fit squad.
Barcelona predicted line-up vs Chelsea - Pre-season friendly
(4-3-3): Neto; Semedo, Todibo, Umtiti, Alba; Busquets, Monchu, De Jong; Perez, Malcom, Griezmann