The International Champions Cup has certainly provided some highlights as it battles the Gold Cup for viewership. Currently backing out stadiums across the United States, some of the world's best clubs have been facing off for friendlies that are providing some unexpected drama during the preseason months. The Tuesday match at FedEx Field is expected to be no different as Chelsea and FC Barcelona go head-to-head in the nation's capital.
Barca brought 24 players to the East Coast in preparation for this match as players like Luis Suarez, Masip and Jordi Alba headline the squad that will be without players like Messi or Neymar who are not expected to join the team until after vacation time following the US tour. Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal will also not be available due to FIFA sanctions which is leaving the club to rely solely on reserves in this match. That showed when the team was beat by Manchester United last Saturday. Manager Luis Enrique stressed that this tournament is helpful to get the team ready for preseason matches regardless of who is on the field.
Chelsea started their tournament losing 4-2 to the New York Red Bulls. That certainly was unexpected, but they followed it out with a draw against Pair Saint-Germain thanks to a goal from Victor Moses. Following this match, Chelsea then heads to face Arsenal and Fiorentina before starting their Premiership defence. Chelsea has some concerns after losing to the Red Bulls as this match will likely be used to test their fitness at this point with the season starting in just over 10 days.
With this game have nothing at stake, both teams are not expected to be thriving at full effort. Players that normally get smaller roles during the season will be playing a bigger part in these games as it will be more of a test of roster depth than anything else. However, the rivalry between the two teams will still push this match to being must-watch television even if neither team are expressing it. With big names still sitting out, Barca and Chelsea will get a good look at the overall picture of their squads in this match.
