The greatest football rivalries of all time will once be renewed as Argentina host Brazil at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires. A defeat for any of the two teams will put their World Cup 2018 campaign in danger after a terrible start in their qualifying campaign. Both the teams have failed to qualify for the World Cup only once.
Argentina is currently seventh in their group with just one point in the two games that they have played. Their qualifying campaign got to a worst possible start as they suffered a shocking 2-0 home defeat against Ecuador and then playing a goalless draw against Paraguay five days later. Argentina has failed to score a goal in last 181 minutes and their current injury problem to their strikers is not helping their manager Gerardo Tata Martino. The manager believes that injury to captain Lionel Messi was crucial for us as he was missed on the field but we have players who can replace him and help us win the game.
Brazil has also made a slow start to their qualifying campaign suffering a 2-0 defeat against Chile before bouncing back to defeat Venezuela 3-1 at home. Brazil captain Neymar had missed last four official games against due to suspension including the two qualifying matches but the captain is back to lead his team who is in terrific form for his club Barcelona scoring 11 goals to keep Barcelona top of the table.
Brazil coach Dunga is also under severe criticism following Brazil’s quarterfinal loss to Paraguay in the Copa America. The 1994 World Cup winning midfielder’s tactics of playing counter attacking football may not go well in Brazil but he can silence his critics with his success. Dunga, despite winning 12 friendly matches failed to win in the big matches as they lost to Peru in the qualifying game.
Team News
Brazil has been bolstered by the return of their captain Neymar who missed the first two games due to suspension but Thiago Silva will be missing as he was not selected by the coach after giving away a needless penalty in the quarterfinal of the Copa America against Paraguay. Thiago was also removed as captain of the team last year but the PSG defender is hopeful of making a comeback after the qualifier snub. Philippe Coutinho was also not selected despite a bright start this season for Liverpool, but the midfielder has not been able to produce such performances for his country. Kaka however returned to the Brazil squad to provide experience to the team.
Argentina has been hit by injury crisis with strikers Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero set to miss the game, while Carlos Tevez is a serious doubt after he sprained his left knee. Martino is now looking up to Gonzalo Higuain to lead the Argentina attack who has not featured since missing the penalty kick in the penalty shootout against Chile. But the striker is currently the joint leading goal scorer with nine goals in Serie A. Angel di Maria and Lavezzi are expected to complete the forward line for Argentina. Martino also has defensive problems with Pablo Zabaleta and Ezequiel Garay also sidelined due to injury.
Team Form
It is a must win game for both the teams after a terrible start to their campaign. Brazil got back to winning ways after suffering a setback in the first game of the qualifiers, while Argentina’s who has just one point will be looking to get a win to keep their hopes alive to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Predicted Started XI
Brazil: Alisson Becker, Dani Alves, David Luiz, Joao Miranda, Filipe Luis, Willian, Elias, Luiz Gustavo, Oscar, Douglas Costa, Neymar
Argentina: Sergio Romero, Demischelis, Nicolas Otamendi, Funes Mori, Marcos Rojo, Javier Mascherano, Matias Kranewitter, Javier Pastore, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel di Maria
Players To Watch Out For
Douglas Costa has had a terrific season with Bayern Munich and will be looking to continue his good run in the national side as well. The winger has replaced Ribery and is keen to help his national team to victory.
Angel di Maria has shown his form once again this season after a troublesome season with Manchester United. The ex-Real Madrid midfielder is back in doing what he does best to provide assist and score goals.
Prediction
Argentina only has the home advantage with all the injuries to their players. Brazil has the upper hand with the return of Neymar and coach Dunga will be looking to hit his opposition through counter attacking football with the likes of Neymar, Costa and Willian to cause trouble to the vulnerable defense of Argentina. Business Finance News predicts a 2-0 victory for Brazil with Neymar and Douglas Costa scoring for the away side.