Preview: Neymar poised to celebrate debut in style
The game against Lechia Gdansk was supposed to take place on July 20, 2013. However, following Tito Vilanova’s decision to step down from his post due to his health, the club chose to call off the game. However, both clubs managed to settle on July 30 as the new date and the game will be played this Tuesday at the PGA Arena in the Polish city of Gdansk.
For all those fans who had already bought the tickets before the game was postponed, there is no need to worry as tickets bought for the original date, will be valid for the match on July 30.
Although it might be a preseason game, new manager, Gerardo Martino is likely to field a strong squad against a side that finished eighth in the Polish league last season.
New boy Neymar is set to make his Barcelona bow after he was named in the 23 man squad set to face the Polish side. The former Santos man had his first training session on Monday after returning from his prolonged break due to his participation in the Confederations Cup.
Polish fans will get the luxury of witnessing the anticipated Neymar-Messi partnership. The Argentine star is very likely to feature in the game but due to the fact that he was injured in the last stages of last season, Martino might not risk his star player play the whole game.
The game will definitely feature the latest of the La Masia alumni, including young Sergi Roberto who is thought very highly of in the Catalan region. Another youngster, Marc Bartra is likely to be given a starting berth in the game. The young Spanish centre-back has bags of talent and given the club’s defensive issues, he might be looking to make the most out of the opportunities Martino gives him even though the club is still in the hunt for a new defender.
It seems very likely if not obvious that Barca will cruise their way past the Polish side. However, the game will definitely give an outlook of the fringe players to see if they can step up and earn this place in Martino’s side.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels
As the excitement steps up a notch, viewers around the globe would be eager to find out where to watch the game.
Watch Lechia Gdansk vs Barcelona live:
In USA at 14:45 ET on beIN Sport Play, beIN Sport en Español, beIN Sport
Fans in the Middle East and Egypt can watch the game live on Al Jazeera Sports. Are you located elsewhere? Click on the match page to access the full TV schedules for this friendly game in Poland.
Barcelona squad to face Lechia Gdansk:
Pinto, Oier, Montoya, Bartra, Adriano, Song, Sergi Roberto, Dos Santos, Messi, Tello, Neymar, Alexis, Sergi Gomez, Planas, Joan Roman, Dani Nieto, Bagnack, Samper, Ilie, Patric, Dongou, Espinosa and Kiko Femenia.
