International Champions Cup Club Friendly Kick-off: Wednesday, 2:00 p.m. ET Line: Barcelona -400, Leicester City +900, Tie +450, Total: 3.5Barcelona plays Leicester City in the International Champions Cup on Wednesday. While many could have predicted Barcelona’s 2015-16 La Liga title, hardly anyone thought that Leicester City would finish atop the Barclays Premier League, and these two vastly different champions will meet in an intriguing affair on Wednesday in Stockholm. In its opening match in the International Champions Cup against Celtic, Barcelona started a team mixed with veterans and youth. Jordi Masip could again start in goal, with Jeremy Mathieu and Aleix Vidal the more recognizable names in defense. Sergi Roberto and Arda Turan will lead the midfield, with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Munir El Haddadi in attack. Leicester’s competitive season starts just four days after this match, so some key players could be rested ahead of the FA Community Shield against Manchester United. Kasper Schmeichel and Ron-Robert Zieler could split time in net, with Wes Morgan, Robert Huth, Ben Chilwell, Danny Simpson, Luis Hernandez, and Christian Fuchs likely to see action in defense. Riyad Mahrez, Jeffrey Schlupp, Nampalys Mendy, Daniel Amartey, Marc Albrighton, Danny Drinkwater, and Andy King could all feature at some point in midfield, with Ahmed Musa, Shinji Okazaki, Leonardo Ulloa, and Demarai Gray playing up front. With more complete offenses than defenses at this point in the season, expect over 3.5 goals to be scored. Even with some of its reserves, Barcelona will outclass Leicester in an entertaining 4-2 affair.
|