Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Brazil could line up for Thursday’s friendly clash with the USA.
Brazil head coach Dorival Junior may decide to recall Real Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo to his starting lineup for Thursday’s friendly fixture against the USA at Camping World Stadium in Florida.
Both Vinicius and Rodrygo returned to the matchday squad, along with Eder Militao, for a 3-2 friendly victory against Mexico last weekend, following a short break after winning the Champions League with Los Blancos earlier this month.
While Rodrygo watched on as an unused substitute, Vinicius came off the bench set up a 96th-minute winner for fellow substitute Endrick. All three players will be pushing to start, along with Barcelona’s Raphinha, against the USA at the expense of Gabriel Martinelli – who also scored against Mexico – Evanilson and Savio.
Andreas Pereira celebrated scoring his first international goal last time out and the Fulham playmaker will hope to retain his place in midfield, although the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Lucas Paqueta and Joao Gomes are in contention to return to the first XI.
Militao, who played the full 90 minutes at centre-back against Mexico, will continue to battle with Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes for a start at the heart of defence alongside Gleison Bremer, while both Danilo and Wendell will be looking to replace Yan Couto and Guilherme Arana respectively at full-back.
Dorival could be tempted to give one of his backup goalkeepers, either Bento or Rafael, a run-out between the sticks at the expense of first-choice shot-stopper Alisson Becker, who could be rested and is expected to take the number one jersey at the 2024 Copa America now that Ederson is ruled out with a fractured eye socket.
Brazil possible starting lineup: Alisson; Danilo, Militao, Bremer, Arana; Pereira, Guimaraes, Paqueta; Rodrygo, Evanilson, Vinicius Jr
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