The defending champions of Spain will go against the champions of England in what promises to be a scintillating encounter. The two sides have however not managed to live up to their lofty standards so far in the pre season.
Barcelona were at the receiving end of a 3-1 defeat at the hands of big spenders Manchester United. The Red Devils took the lead through an early goal from Wayne Rooney and Lingard added another in the second half. Rafinha pulled one back for the Catalans but Januzaj struck in injury time to give United a 3-1 win.
Last season was an unpleasant one for Belgian international Thomas Vermaelen who's injury plagued campaign restricted him to just a single appearance. However the former Arsenal man is confident he can stay fit this time around and create an impression.
"I got a medal, but you don't feel like you have won the treble," the 29-year-old said.
"I was very happy for the team, but it's not like I contributed a lot for the cups we won.
"Last year was terrible. It was a nasty injury, a very difficult one and I am very happy that the feeling in the legs is perfect again, like it should be."
"I am very happy and very pleased to be back," said the former Arsenal captain. "There's nothing better than to feel fit.
"I feel 100 per cent now. We just started pre-season so I am adapting still but I had 60 minutes against a good opponent so I am very pleased with that."
"In a club like this there's loads of competition so that's normal," he added.
"We have a lot of great players. It's not easy but that's why you become a football player, to play for the best teams in the world and I am part of that."
Chelsea on the other hand suffered a shock 4-2 defeat at the hands of New York Red Bulls in their opening pre season game and were not very impressive in their subsequent fixture either. They were against PSG last time out in a match which ended 1-1.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored for the French side and Chelsea responded through Victor Moses in the second half. The match was settled on penalties as Courtois stole the show saving two and expertly converting one penalty himself.
Chelsea have been relatively quiet in the transfer window when compared to other clubs in England especially the likes of Liverpool and Man United. Jose Mourinho will be hoping his side can produce a better outing against Barcelona with a community shield against rivals Arsenal to follow.
Team sheets for Barcelona vs Chelsea
Barcelona's Starting XI: Ter Stegen; Douglas, Bartra, Mathieu, Adriano; Busquets, Rakitic, Gumbau; Sandro, Suárez, Munir.
Chelsea's Starting XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Zouma, Azpilicueta; Matic, Oscar, Cesc; Kenedy, Hazard, Diego Costa.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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