Saturday’s encounter will be Barcelona’s second pre season game before the 2014/2015 La Liga campaign kicks off. The Catalan side was in action on the 19th of July last time out which saw them pick up a 1-0 win over Recreativo Huelva. However that team hardly included any first team members but the side expected to be fielded against Nice is likely to include many of the star players.
Marquee signing Luis Suarez will not feature due to the terms of his ban which forbid him to participate in any football related activity, but other incoming players including Claudio Bravo, Marc Ter Stegen, Ivan Rakitic and Jeremy Mathieu are likely to play a part tomorrow.
It remains to be seen whether the aforementioned players will be able to break in the Barcelona starting eleven, but it is clear that one of Claudio Bravo or Marc Ter Stegen will be taking the place between the posts. Bravo who was hugely impressive during Chile’s run in the recently concluded World Cup has spoken highly of his competitor and has praised the German international for his ability and attitude.
"I have been surprised by many things that Ter Stegen has done," the 31-year-old said.
"He has great quality and is already talking the native language, Catalan.”
The Chilean has been a regular starter at his former team but has insisted that a healthy competition with Ter Stegen will bring out the best from both individuals.
"In my career I have never been a substitute but I have always started from scratch with my peers. Here there is a healthy competition that will help the team to be as prepared as possible."
"I think we both have the same chance to be a starter. But I do not know who will begin there. I think we always have to prepare to be picked but not expect to start."
Nice on the other hand have lost star goalkeeper David Ospina to Arsenal but have some budding talent in their squad. Striker Neal Maupay, goalkeeper Mouez Hassan and attacking midfielder Bryan Constant are to name a few players who have come up the ranks at the French club and the talented trio would be hoping to create an impression when they face one of the best clubs in the world.
Nice lost to PSG in their opening preseason game after Jean-Christophe Bahebeck and Marquinhos scored for the French champions. Honorat pulled one back for Les Aiglons but Claude Puel’s men ultimately lost the match 2-1.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Nice vs Barcelona live on Saturday, August 2, 2014:
In the US at 13.45EST on:
In Canada at 13.45ET on:
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Nice vs Barcelona match page.
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