Basel vs Barca: Lineups, Preview & Bold Prediction
Barcelona’s Final Preseason Tests: Basel Friendly Preview
What’s Happening?
Just one week before their first real competitive match of the 2026–27 season, Barcelona travels to Switzerland to face FC Basel in their second-to-last preseason friendly. Think of this like a final dress rehearsal before the big show!
KEY POINT: Barcelona has had extra preseason time because many of their star players were busy at the World Cup this summer. This game helps them shake off the rust!
Barcelona’s Summer So Far
Before heading to Switzerland, here’s how Barcelona’s preseason went:
- vs. CE Europa (Catalan minnows) – Big win behind closed doors
- vs. Birmingham City (England) – 2–2 draw against Tom Brady’s team
- vs. Nottingham Forest – 1–0 win (Raphinha scored the winner!)
- vs. Udinese – 1–0 loss
Next up after Basel: The famous Joan Gamper Trophy against Egyptian giants Al Ahly on Wednesday.
Score Prediction: Basel 0–2 Barcelona
Why Barcelona Should Win
| Factor | Barcelona | Basel |
|---|---|---|
| Match Sharpness | Still building fitness | Already played 4 competitive games |
| Squad Quality | Reigning La Liga champions | Swiss side |
| Key Players Returning | World Cup winners back in training | Coach rotating after Cup win |
INSIGHT: Basel just beat FC Courtételle 6–1 in the Swiss Cup, but they used many starters. Their coach Stephan Lichtsteiner (ex-Arsenal defender!) now has to decide who’s fresh enough for Barcelona.
Prediction: Basel 0–2 Barcelona – Routine victory, but don’t expect a perfect performance yet.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Who’s IN
- Wojciech Szczęsny – Goalkeeper
- Andreas Christensen – Defense
- Alejandro Balde – Left back
- Raphinha – Right wing (scored vs Forest!)
- Karim Adeyemi – New signing, left wing
- Fermín López – Midfield
- Marc Bernal & Fariñas – Double pivot
Who’s OUT
- Frenkie de Jong – Injured
- Roony Bardghji – ACL tear in training (out for most of season!)
- Pedri – Not traveled to Switzerland
- Marc Casadó – Left behind amid transfer rumors
Exciting Possibilities
- Anthony Gordon (summer signing) – Could make unofficial debut!
- Lamine Yamal & Jules Koundé – World Cup returnees in squad
Formation:
Szczęsny
Espart – Christensen – Martín – Balde
Bernal – Fariñas
Adeyemi – López – Raphinha
Abdelkarim
When & Where to Watch
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, August 16 |
| Stadium | St. Jakob-Park |
| Location | Basel, Switzerland |
| Kick-off | 10:30 AM ET / 7:30 AM PT / 3:30 PM BST |
TV & Streaming Info
IMPORTANT: As of now, the match is NOT televised in major markets:
| Country | Broadcast Status |
|---|---|
| United States | N/A |
| Canada | N/A |
| Mexico | N/A |
| United Kingdom | N/A |
Check local listings or LiveSoccerTV for last-minute updates.
Summary
- Barcelona faces Basel in their penultimate preseason friendly
- Game is crucial for World Cup returnees to gain match fitness
- Prediction: Comfortable 2–0 win for the Catalan giants
- Key absentees: De Jong, Bardghji (ACL), Pedri, Casadó
- Exciting debut watch: Anthony Gordon could feature
- Not on TV in US/UK/Canada/Mexico – check streaming options
- Final tune-up: Joan Gamper Trophy vs Al Ahly on Wednesday
FAQ
1. Why is Barcelona playing preseason games in August?
La Liga already started, but Barcelona got extra preparation time because many players reached the late stages of the World Cup. FIFA rules mandate rest periods after international tournaments.
2. Who is Stephan Lichtsteiner?
He’s Basel’s coach and a former Arsenal and Juventus right-back – a Swiss legend with 100+ caps for his country!
3. What happened to Roony Bardghji?
The young winger ruptured his ACL in training – a devastating knee injury that requires surgery and 6–9 months recovery. He’ll miss most of the 2026–27 season.
4. Is Anthony Gordon related to the England international?
No! This is a different Anthony Gordon – Barcelona’s new summer signing. The famous one plays for Newcastle United.
5. What’s the Joan Gamper Trophy?
It’s Barcelona’s annual traditional friendly at Camp Nou (or their temporary stadium) to present the squad to fans before the season. Named after club founder Hans Gamper.
Enjoy the match, culers! Visca el Barça!