Verdict: Home win
Best Odds: 9/5
Bookmaker: bet365
The rivalry between Brazil and Argentina is considered one of the biggest in the world. Both sides are among the most successful national teams in history, and while their current run of form is not similar, it is undeniable that the world stops every time these two titans clash. That will be the case on Friday, as both squads will battle for their pride in a friendly match in Melbourne, Australia.
Brazil
Brazil have been on top form at the moment. Since the arrival of Tite following their disastrous campaign in the 2016 Copa America, La Canarinha have returned to be one of the most feared sides in the world. And the numbers back that statement up, since Brazil have won their last 10 matches across all competitions. A friendly match against Argentina will always have a special flavour, but several reports have indicated Tite will use the upcoming two friendlies to rotate the side a bit. After all, they already clinched their berth to the 2018 World Cup. And it never hurts to add a few more names to what is an already deep pool of players. That should not be a reason to rule them out, however – even if they use an alternative squad, they should still be considered dangerous.
Team News
Considering this game will be a friendly match, Tite is not going to use a very strong side. In fact, up to seven regulars are expected to miss this clash.
Per reports, Neymar will be rested for this match so we will not see a battle between him and Lionel Messi. Dani Alves, Casemiro, and Marcelo will receive rest after playing in the UEFA Champions League final this past Saturday. And other regulars such as Allison, Marquinhos, and Joao Miranda will not play either.
Argentina
If Brazil are calmed and relaxed ahead of this game, Argentina are quite nervous and anxious. The experiment of Edgardo Bauza never panned out, and Jorge Sampaoli arrived as his replacement following a decent season with Sevilla in La Liga. Sampaoli has a proven track record with National Teams after leading Chile to the 2015 Copa America title. But can he replicate the same success with La Albiceleste? There have been a few controversial decisions already. It seems this game would be treated as an experimental fixture to determine what might work and what might not ahead of the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers. After all, Argentina sit in fifth place – and if the Qualifiers ended today, they would have to enter a playoff to determine their fate.
Team News
La Albiceleste will have several absences ahead of this game. Ramiro Funes Mori, Javier Mascherano and Marcos Rojo will not feature due to injury.
Sergio Aguero and Pablo Zabaleta were not called up due to a manager’s choice. And all signs indicate their time in the National Team might be coming to an end.
Key Factors to Consider
- This will be the first game of Jorge Sampaoli as the manager of Argentina. He spent last season with Sevilla, and led Chile to the 2015 Copa America title.
- On the other hand, Brazil have a solid record under the tutelage of Tite (10W in 10 games). They already clinched a berth to the 2018 World Cup.
- Brazil have a clear supremacy over Argentina in their last 25 meetings with 16 wins, four draws and only five losses.
- Brazil won 3-0 at home the last time these two sides met. They have not lost against La Albiceleste in their past three encounters.
- Argentina’s last win against La Canarinha came in 2012 during a friendly. However, their last victory against their rivals in an official match dates back to 2005.
Conclusion
Derbies are extremely hard to predict. However, Brazil certainly have the edge in this game. Their players are more familiar with the tactical system, while Argentina is a work in progress following the recent arrival of Jorge Sampaoli. And if we consider the former Sevilla boss does not have a good track record in their first game at a new team, all signs indicate La Selecao will end up with the win.
Verdict: Home win
Best Odds: 9/5
Bookmaker: bet365
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