Russia vs Brazil Preview

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The five-time world champions will be looking to win their first game since the appointment of Luiz Felipe Scolari against a confident Russia at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

2014 FIFA World Cup hosts Brazil take on Russia in what promises to be an exciting friendly match at Stamford Bridge, London, on Monday.

Brazil have yet to win a game since the arrival of Luiz Felipe Scolari last November, but after coming extremely close to doing so in their thrilling 2-2 draw with Italy last week, they will be looking to go a step further this time around.

The Selecao haven't picked up a single victory in their last four encounters, which includes draws against Italy and Colombia and defeats against England and Argentina, but they will surely rate their chances of overcoming Russia.

Brazil, who beat Russia 1-0 the last time the sides met in 2006, are currently in the rebuilding process, as Scolari looks for the ideal blend for the FIFA Confederations Cup later this year, and essentially the FIFA World Cup next year, a tournament which according to Scolari "Brazil are obligated to win."

The Selecao contain a star-studded squad, which includes the likes of Neymar, Oscar, Hulk, Hernanes and Julio Cesar, players who are all expected to begin the game against Russia from the kick-off.

Scolari, who guided Brazil to their last World Cup triumph in 2002, is likely to make just a couple of slight changes to the side that drew with Italy, with Thiago Silva and Marcelo expected to replace Dante and Felipe Luis, respectively.

Kaka, who has returned to the national team fold following a number of impressive performances with Real Madrid, will have to wait for his turn from the substitute's bench, as youngster Oscar maintains his role as the team's playmaker.

Fluminense striker Fred, who scored in the defeat to England and again in the draw with Italy, will partner Santos star Neymar in Brazil's potentially deadly attack.

Neymar, who is rumoured to have signed a pre-contract with Barcelona, is without any doubt Brazil's most dangerous player, and will be hoping to find the back of the net against the Russians.

Russia, who have improved enormously since the appointment of former England coach Fabio Capello, come into the clash as the clear underdogs, but will be desperate to pull off a major upset against the five-time world champions.

The Russians are unbeaten in their last six matches, which includes victories over Iceland, Azerbaijan and Portugal, and will be looking to extend their impressive streak, even though they are fully aware of the fact that few teams have the quality to beat Brazil.