Prediction: Brazil vs Colombia

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In what could be an enjoyable Copa America showdown in the early hours of Wednesday, Brazil and Colombia will meet in Santa Clara.

Brazil

Starting with Brazil, making what was a much-welcomed return to winning ways last weekend as they stormed their way to a routine 4-1 victory against Paraguay, the South American icons will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, signing off their pre-Copa America preparations with a 1-1 stalemate against the USA, Dorvial Junior’s men have remarkably won just a trio of their previous 10 consecutive appearances across all competitions. Signing off their World Cup qualifying adventure last year with three defeats on the bounce, the former Flamengo boss has found a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders. Facing what should be a stern challenge when they travel to Santa Clara in the early hours of Wednesday, Brazil have also shown some extended defensive issues. In fact, the Selecao have recorded just a pair of clean sheets from any of those 10 straight outings.

Team News

Bagging a brace against Paraguay over the weekend and enjoying a sensational campaign last season as Real Madrid completed a double-winning campaign, attacking talisman Vinicius Junior will play a leading role here. Despite continued speculation surrounding a move away from Liverpool this summer, Alisson Becker will start between the sticks and earn a 68th international cap.

While Douglas Luis might have completed a move to Italian giants Juventus last weekend, the now-former Aston Villa midfielder will have to settle for a spot on the bench in Santa Clara. Making a first Copa America start against Paraguay, Porto defender Wendell should keep his spot at left-back.

Colombia

As for Colombia, while La Tricolor might have failed to book a World Cup ticket out to Qatar 18 months ago, Nestor Lorenzo’s men have come roaring back in a remarkable fashion. Last seen over the weekend putting in another rampant performance as they breezed their way to a 3-0 romp against Costa Rica, the former Argentina coach finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Opening their Copa America adventure with a 2-1 win against Paraguay, Colombia have won all of their previous 10 consecutive appearances across all competitions. Riding what has been a history-making wave of momentum, Lorenzo’s side will certainly be excited by their most recent meeting against Wednesday’s opponents. Claiming a famous 2-1 victory when they met Brazil while in World Cup qualifying action back on November 17th, La Tricolor will be relishing a trip to Santa Clara here.

Team News

Missing out against Costa Rica last weekend and dealing with a recent knock, Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi remains a doubt in the early hours of Wednesday. Opening his Copa America account at the State Farm Stadium, Liverpool talisman Luis Diaz will spearhead Colombia’s charge in midweek and earn a 52nd international cap.

Despite continued speculation around what would be a blockbuster move to Premier League giants Chelsea this summer, Aston Villa marksmen Jhon Duran will have to settle for a spot on the bench. Former Real Madrid superstar James Rodriguez will lead out La Tricolor in Santa Clara.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Brazil and Colombia last met back on November 17th while in World Cup qualifying action, La Tricolor claimed a 2-1 victory.
• Colombia have won all of their previous 10 consecutive appearances across all competitions.
• Despite claiming a thumping 4-1 victory against Paraguay last weekend, Brazil have won just a trio of their previous 10 matchups across all competitions.
• The South American giants have recorded just a pair of clean sheets in those 10 consecutive appearances.
• Brazil have seen four of their previous five matchups across all formats finish with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Brazil might have claimed a crucial last weekend as they stormed their way to a routine 4-1 victory against Paraguay, the South American giants have a real challenge on their hands here. Hit with a 2-1 defeat when they last met Colombia back on November 17th while in World Cup qualifying action, La Tricolor have embarked on a remarkable purple patch. Winning all of their previous 10 straight appearances across all competitions, Lorenzo’s men have also picked up some major heavyweight scalps.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet