Team News
Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella will be able to count with a full-strength squad for his team´s friendly match against arch-rivals Brazil, but he is still likely to modify his team somewhat to continue to work out the ideal blend. The former Estudiantes tactician will shift Javier Mascherano to the defence, and he is likely to provide Boca Juniors goalkeeper Agustin Orion with a rare starting role between the Argentina posts, giving a rest to usual goalkeeper Sergio Romero.
Meanwhile, Brazil boss Mano Menezes will field his Olympic team, which still includes several of Brazil´s senior squad members, including Marcelo, Sandro, Hulk, Neymar and Leandro Damiao. One player who will miss the game is AC Milan defender Thiago Silva, who is sidelined due to injury. Despite the fact that Brazil will face their bitter rivals with a young side, they will still be looking for a victory at all costs.
Probable Starting Line-ups
Argentina - Orion, Zabaleta, Garay, Mascherano, Fernandez, Rodriguez, Salvio, Gago, Di Maria, Aguero and Messi.
Brazil - Rafael, Danilo, Juan, Bruno Uvini, Marcelo, Romulo, Sandro, Hulk, Oscar, Neymar and Leandro Damiao.
Form
After what had been a rather shaky opening to their World Cup qualifying campaign, Argentina have finally reached top form, as they demonstrated in their 4-0 rout of Ecuador in Buenos Aires last Saturday. Prior to that game, Los Albicelestes had beaten Switzerland 3-1, before edging Colombia 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier in Barranquilla. Meanwhile, Brazil´s impressive eight-game winning streak was brought to an abrupt end against Mexico last week. Prior to the defeat the Selecao had overcome the likes of the United States, Denmark, Bosnia and Egypt. In 97 meetings between the South American heavyweights, Brazil have the upperhand with 37 wins compared to Argentina´s 35.
Players to Look out for
Messi: The Barcelona superstar has finally discovered his top form with Argentina, after having notched up five goals in his last three games for his national team. If he performs to his maximum level he will surely play a part in leading Argentina to a boosting victory.
Neymar: The emerging superstar has become a key figure of the Selecao, and will be hoping to turn on the style against the Argentines. Neymar has lost all of his battles against Messi in the past, both with club and country, and will be eager to make his mark at the MetLife stadium on Saturday.
Prediction
The fact that a full-strength Argentina will be up against Brazil´s Olympic team will likely have a big effect on the outcome of the game, even if the Selecao have been doing fairly well with their youngsters. Although it will surely be a hotly-contested affair, Argentina are expected to prove too strong for an inexperienced Brazil. If Messi continues with his impressive form in the Argentina shirt, the World Player of the Year could possibly decide the result in his team´s favour.
The Verdict:
