Brazil takes on Australia at the MCG

Brazil and Australia are set to go head to head in an international friendly at the MCG on Tuesday. The Socceroos will have a busy couple of weeks ahead as they head into the Confederations Cup after lifting the Asian Cup last time out.

The Australians won against Saudi Arabia in the World Cup qualifier last week. So they are in some good form at the moment.

Facing Brazil will be a different proposition all together as they have not faced an opponent as tough recently. Japan and South Korea are the strongest teams they have played in recent times, making their clash against Brazil and upcoming Confederations Cup opener against Germany as real tests.

The Brazilians, on the other hand will not be bringing their strongest squads for this game. Neymar will sit out this game, whereas the likes of Dani Alves, Marcelo, Marquinhos and Firmino will be rested. But Brazil are more likely to win this game.

Team and Tactics :-

Brazil

Philippe Coutinho will debut as captain of Brazil in the absence of Neymar. Coach Tite will be looking to make a number of changes after their defeat to Argentina.

Diego Souza could be a likely replacement for Gabriel Jesus, who suffered an eye socket injury against Argentina. David Luiz of Chelsea should play in a holding midfielder role.

Thiago Silva, Willian and Fernandinho are likey to feature with the inclusion of new Man City goalkeeper Ederson.

The Australians are strong on attack and with the absence of a number of key defenders, keeping the scoring down will be tough.

Ederson will need to be extra cautious on Tuesday as will be the defenders to stop an upset.

Possible line-up (4-3-3) : Ederson, Thiago Silva, Rafinha, David Luiz, Alex Sandro, Fernandinho, Coutinho, Willian, Paulinho, Diego Souza, Douglas Costa.

Australia

Although the Socceroos have been doing well in World Cup qualifiers recently, their real test will be against Brazil.

Ange Postecoglou is likely to make changes, so former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill and ex-Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Mitch Langerak are likely to start.

Wing-back Brad Smith will be out due to hamstring injury. He is also gonna be sitting out in the Confederations Cup game against Germany.

Australians have a few things in their favour like the home support and a strong attack. They can test the not-so-strong Brazilian defence.

Captain Mile Jedinak, will have to make sure they maintain healthy possesion and be strong mentally.

Possible line-up (4-4-2) : Langerak, Behich, Sainsbury, Dylan McGowan, Degenek, Jedinak, Milligan, Irvine, Luongo, Cahill, Juric.

Prediction

Brazil should be able to win 3-2 against Australia. This should be a high scoring game but since the Brazilians have a good record against the Socceroos, they are more likely to win.