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The Brazil predicted lineup vs Venezuela will have a Premier League feel, with eight stars called up from the English top division. The Seleção aim to keep up their perfect start to qualifiers, having snatched a win over Peru in the last game.
Neymar was the last player to arrive in the camp in Cuiabá, he had arrived in Brazil from Saudi Arabia last week, but was on leave to be at the birth of his daughter.
What stars will be on show in this torpical tussle? This is our probable XI…
Brazil predicted lineup vs Venezuela
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Brazil vs Venezuela CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers team news
There were several changes to the original squad list through injury, as Fernando Diniz was forced to call up four replacement players in total. Left back Renan Lodi dropped out, with Girona’s Guilherme Arana joining up with the side and could be in line for a start.
Raphinha, so impressive in the win over Bolivia, cedes his place to Benfica’s David Neres. Finally, Caio Henrique and Vanderson were forced to make way for Carlos Augusto and Yan Couto.
One player that wasn’t involved in the last round of games, but is fit to play now, is Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. The 23-year-old forward heads to the Arena Pantanal on good form, having scored in his last two matches with the Spanish giants.
We saw Fernando Diniz play with an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation, essentially a 4-2-4 set up, in the last home game. That resulted in a 5-1 thrasing of Bolivia in Belém, and he will want to replicate that against the Vinotinto.
Brazil predicted lineup – 4-2-3-1
Ederson- Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel M., Arana – Guimarães, Casemiro – Vinicius Jr., Neymar, Rodrygo – Richarlison
Brazil key players – Our top three
Neymar – more records on the horizon
The Al-Hilal attacker is already the all-time topscorer for the Verdeamarelha, surpassing Pelé with his double against Bolivia to take him to 79 goals. He is set to make his 127th appearance, one more than former teammate Dani Alves, and is closing in on Cafu the record-holder with 142 caps.
The Vinotinto have impressed defensively, only conceding once in their last four matches, so Neymar needs to be at his best to break down a stubborn back line. The 31 year old will be hoping to turn up the heat, in this tropical tussle in Mato-Grosso, ably supported by Vinicius Junior.
Vincius Junior – attack the best form of defence
The Real Madrid winger scored in his last home qualifier, a 4-0 rout of Chile, and will be eager to get back in a yellow shirt having not played since the 4-2 loss to Senegal. His runs in behind will keep Venezuela pegged back, and keep both winger and full-back busy.
He will also be tasked with protecting his own full back, by keeping possession down that left-hand side. It is an added responsibility knowing that left-back is arguably Brazil’s most vulnerable position, Guilherme Arana is only there due to Alex Sandro and Renan Lodi’s injuries.
Casemiro – the counter-weight to stop the break
With such a forward-thinking formation, there is extra pressure on Casemiro to stop the opposition counter attacks. The Manchester United midfielder is effective, he ranked in the Top 5 for interceptions in the Premier League last season.
Víctor Abrego’s stunning strike for Bolivia was the first time ever an opposition player had scored in a World Cup Qualifier in Brazil when Casemiro was playing. Impressive, considering this is his third campaign, and it is no suprise to know that he boasts a 100% home record with the Canarinha.
Brazil predicted lineup vs Venezuela – The Final Word
It will be a hot and humid one in the Arena Pantanal, set to host the Brazilian national team for the first time since the stadium was constructed in 2014 for the World Cup.
This squad are used to travelling around the country, showcasing their silky skills and fancy footwork to the masses, and the fans nearly always go home entertained.
An home win is the most likely result, and a comfortable one at that, with Brazil scoring over 1.5 goals.
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