MaplePitch Logo

Barcelona vs. Al Ahly: Match Preview, Predictions, and Lineups

On Wednesday, Barcelona will wrap up their preseason with a clash against Egypt's Al Ahly in the 61st edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy. This fixture is historic as Al Ahly becomes the first African team to participate in this celebrated event.

The Joan Gamper Trophy, held since 1966, usually features top clubs from around the world challenging Barça in a single friendly match. The majority of visiting teams have struggled to secure wins, but Al Ahly aims to change that narrative.

Barcelona’s Preseason Journey

Barcelona has toured Europe for their preseason, starting with a closed-door win over CE Europa. They then played to a draw with Birmingham City in England, before competing in a triangular tournament in Italy against Nottingham Forest and Udinese. Their latest outing was a convincing 5–2 victory over Basel in Switzerland.

The team’s La Liga title defense begins Sunday with a trip to Elche. Manager Hansi Flick’s squad enjoyed extra preparation time due to many players’ World Cup commitments.

Match Prediction: Barcelona Expected to Dominate

We think Barcelona will secure their 48th Joan Gamper Trophy. They showed attacking strength against Basel, welcoming back several players post-World Cup like Lamine Yamal, who scored, alongside Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé, and newcomer Anthony Gordon.

Flick might field an even stronger side at Camp Nou, which could overwhelm Al Ahly. The Egyptian side has yet to start its domestic season and faces a level of opposition rarely seen in their competitions.

With the home crowd behind them, the Blaugrana are poised for a convincing win. Historically, Barcelona has won 47 of their 60 Joan Gamper matches, including 12 of the last 13, and last year crushed Como 5–0. We expect a similar outcome.

Prediction: Barcelona 4–1 Al Ahly

Projected Lineups

Barcelona Starting XI

Lamine Yamal, after coming off the bench last time, may start alongside Jules Koundé, though both might be subbed at halftime. Flick plans gradual integration of key players ahead of the new season.

Anthony Gordon could make his home debut, while Raphinha may lead the attack following departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Injuries rule out Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji, and Pedri’s status remains doubtful after missing the Basel game.

  • Formation (4-2-3-1): García; Koundé, Christensen, Martín, Balde; Bernal, Espart; Yamal, López, Gordon; Raphinha

Al Ahly Starting XI

Manager Hussein Ammouta is likely to call on players who represented Egypt at the World Cup, such as Emam Ashour, Marwan Ateya, and Yasser Ibrahim. New signing Monsef Bakrar from Dinamo Zagreb should get minutes, with Akram Tawfik and Soufiane Benjdida pushing for starts.

Former Barça striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who impressed in preseason by scoring three goals, will also feature.

  • Formation (4-3-3): El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Marei, Fouad; Kouka, Ashour, Ateya; Zizo, El Shahat, Bakrar

Match Details

  • Location: Barcelona, Spain
  • Stadium: Camp Nou
  • Date: Wednesday, August 19
  • Kick-off Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT / 7 p.m. BST

Where to Watch

  • Worldwide: Barça Play, FC Barcelona YouTube channel

For a full list of broadcasters airing the match worldwide, fans can check official sources.

Related News