Two teams will face off in an eagerly-awaited World Cup qualifying encounter. Selecao manager Tite will be without injured Neymar and Richarlison while Manchester United midfielder Casemiro will also miss out.

After Uruguay’s defeat to Argentina, Lionel Scaloni could make changes to his team following Endrick and Joao Pedro’s inclusion as potential replacements.

Argentina

Brazil and Argentina meet in an intense South American battle, having both already qualified for the semifinals and looking to avoid potential elimination from tournament.

Lionel Scaloni will likely be pleased to learn that Lionel Messi looks likely to return after missing the last group match due to a hamstring strain. Messi took part in full practice this week and should feature in some form or another.

The Argentine coach may opt to select the same starting eleven that defeated Colombia on matchday three, which may see Crystal Dunn, Rose Lavelle, and Jenna Nighswonger return to her starting line-up.

Defense will likely remain unchanged, with Nicolas Tagliafico, Nahuel Molina and Cristian Romero likely keeping their places. Angel Di Maria may make way for Enzo Fernandez or Lautaro Martinez – who scored against Canada – who both contributed one goal each.

Brazil

Brazil manager Tite faces an enormous selection dilemma for this matchup with star player Vinicius Junior suspended as well as losing Neymar and Richarlison due to injury. Danilo, Eder Militao and Marquinhos should keep their places in defence while Lucas Paqueta and Rodrygo may help provide midfield support.

Lionel Scaloni does not anticipate any injuries but may make some alterations following his team’s disappointing display against Uruguay. Giovani Lo Celso and Exequiel Palacios should retain their starting spots, with Nicolas Gonzalez likely being rotated out to accommodate either Angel Di Maria or Lautaro Martinez as possible replacements.

Lionel Messi will lead Argentina once more at NRG Stadium in New Jersey, with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez fighting to earn starting positions up front, Savio Martinelli and Gabriel Martinelli also competing for attacking spots. Fans in America and Britain can watch live coverage via Fox Sports while those in France can tune in via TUDN and RDS.

Injury Updates

Brazil faces an extremely important game against Poland this Wednesday. Dorival Junior, newly appointed as coach of Selecao under Dorival Junior, has faced numerous injury setbacks prior to this meeting with Neymar potentially out and question marks over Ederson if Manchester City goalkeeper recovers quickly enough from an illness preventing participation. Dorival will hope for quick recovery for both players.

Dorival Junior has strengthened his squad further with the inclusion of 17-year-old Palmeiras prodigy Endrick from Palmeiras as another source of players to add.

Danilo, Eder Militao and Marquinhos will likely retain their starting spots at centre back and centre midfield respectively, while Joao Gomes should fill Paulinho’s spot in central midfield as an alternate solution. Wendell could come under competition from Guilherme Arana or Lucas Paqueta for left back spots.

Predictions

Brazil will likely feel the loss of injured stars Vinicius Junior and Neymar most acutely; but coach Tite has still made solid selection decisions by opting for experience through Eder Militao at centre back and Wendell as left back.

Manchester City pair Jonny Evans and Vincent Kompany should form a formidable defensive pairing, while Douglas Luiz provides plenty of experience for Brazil in midfield. Rodrygo and Endrick vie for an attacking position while Savio Martinelli and Gabriel Martinelli may also make appearances.

Argentina are a dangerous side, led by Lionel Messi, and have only conceded three goals so far in this tournament – making the under 2.5 goals betting option attractive. With that being said, given they haven’t managed a goal thus far themselves, Argentina may struggle against Brazil’s defensive wall; therefore a draw may also occur.

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