Barcelona vs Al Ahly: Match Preview, Predictions, and Lineups
The 61st edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy will see Barcelona wrap up their preseason with a clash against Egyptian giants Al Ahly. This is the first time an African team has taken on Barça in this annual friendly, which has been held since 1966 to showcase top clubs from around the world.
Barcelona’s preseason tour has included matches across Europe. After a closed-doors win against CE Europa, they drew with Birmingham City in England, then played Nottingham Forest and Udinese in Italy during a triangular tournament. Their recent game in Switzerland ended with a convincing 5–2 victory over Basel.
The new La Liga season starts Sunday with Barcelona traveling to Elche. Coach Hansi Flick’s squad had extra time to prepare due to many players returning late from World Cup duty.
Match Prediction: Barcelona Expected to Win 4–1
Barça showed strong attacking form against Basel, welcoming back key players such as Lamine Yamal, who scored, alongside Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé, and debutant Anthony Gordon. Flick might strengthen the lineup further at Camp Nou, posing a tough challenge for Al Ahly.
Al Ahly have yet to start their new season and face a much higher level of opposition than usual, both domestically and continentally. They could struggle against a motivated Barça side eager to impress before the league begins, supported by their home crowd.
Historically, Barcelona have won 47 out of 60 Joan Gamper Trophy matches, including 12 of the last 13, and they dominated Como 5–0 last summer. A similar high-scoring win seems likely.
- Prediction: Barcelona 4–1 Al Ahly
Predicted Lineup for Barcelona
Following a substitute appearance last match, Koundé and Yamal may start but could be subbed off at halftime. Flick will rotate his squad to get players ready without risking injury just days before the league opener.
Anthony Gordon might make his home debut while Raphinha could lead the attack given Barcelona's shortage of center forwards after Lewandowski and Ferran Torres left.
Injuries keep Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji sidelined. Pedri’s participation remains uncertain after missing the Basel game.
- Formation (4-2-3-1): García; Koundé, Christensen, Martín, Balde; Bernal, Espart; Yamal, López, Gordon; Raphinha
Al Ahly’s Predicted Starting XI
Manager Hussein Ammouta is likely to field several players fresh from Egypt’s World Cup squad, including Emam Ashour, Marwan Ateya, and Yasser Ibrahim.
New signing Monsef Bakrar from Dinamo Zagreb should feature, alongside other newcomers Akram Tawfik and Soufiane Benjdida.
Al Ahly will also reunite with former striker Hamza Abdelkarim, now at Barça, who has impressed in preseason with three goals in friendlies against Birmingham and Basel.
- 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
Viewing Options Worldwide
You can watch the match live via Barça Play or on FC Barcelona's YouTube channel.
More details on broadcasters worldwide are available for fans seeking coverage.
