Brazil will take on Cameroon at the Lusial Stadium on Friday as they look to secure their third win in their final Group G fixture of the 2022 World Cup.
The Selecao kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Serbia before edging 1-0 past Switzerland. With two wins in as many games, the South American nation have already qualified for the last 16 and are likely to top the group regardless of what they do against Cameroon in the final game.
That means head coach Tite is likely to heavily rotate his squad and rest some of his top stars ahead of the knockout phase.
Brazil Team News
Brazil have already suffered a huge setback as Neymar suffered an ankle injury in the 2-0 win over Serbia. He missed the 1-0 victory over Switzerland on Monday and should be given another game to recover. Danilo will also miss out with a hamstring problem.
Predicted Brazil Lineup vs Cameroon (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Ederson will start ahead of Alisson in goal against Cameroon, with the Manchester City star hoping to grab his opportunity with both hands.
Defence
Expected to be a heavily rotated side, Eder Militao is expected to be the only starter from the win over Switzerland. Militao, however, will move to central defence after operating at right-back against Switzerland, partnering Gleison Bremer at the heart of the Brazil backline.
Veteran Dani Alves will make his first appearance of the 2022 World Cup, starting at right-back, while Alex Telles hopes to catch the eye from the left-back position.
Midfield
Up ahead in midfield, Fabinho will be handed his first start of the competition. He will form the double pivot with Bruno Guimaraes, who impressed as a second-half substitute against Switzerland on Monday.
Fabinho and Bruno will be tasked with controlling the flow of the game and dominating Cameroon at the centre of the park. Rodrygo Goes is likely to start in the hole behind the striker, and the youngster will have to carry most of the creative workload for Brazil in the attacking third.
Lucas Paqueta and Fred will have to be content with a spot on the bench as they wait for their chance to make an impact in the second half if needed.
Attack
With Neymar injured, Tite cannot afford to lose any more star players in attack and will look to wrap the likes of Vinicius Jr. and Richarlison in cotton wool. This means Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are primed to make their first starts at the World Cup, as the Arsenal duo hope to repay the manager’s faith.
Antony will replace Raphinha on the right flank, joining Jesus, Rodrygo and Martinelli in an exciting Brazil attack. The likes of Everton Ribeiro and Pedro may get chances to impress off the bench against Rigobert Song’s side.