International Friendlies – Brazil vs Argentina Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Brazil vs Argentina kick off? Friday 15th November, 2019 – 17:00 (UK)
Where is Brazil vs Argentina being played? King Saud University Stadium
What TV channel is Brazil vs Argentina on? TyC Sports (Argentina), SporTV (Brazil), BeIN Sports (USA, Canada, France)
Where can I stream Brazil vs Argentina? BeIN Sports Connect (USA, Canada, France)
Where can I get tickets for Brazil vs Argentina? Tickets can be purchased at the stadium on the day of the match
THE TEAM NEWS
BRAZIL
- Brazil have been extremely successful this year, as La Selecao won the 2019 Copa America title in impressive fashion while outclassing their rivals from start to finish. Their performances following that title have not been very good, though – Brazil are D3, L1 in their last four friendly matches. They are coming off a 1-1 draw against Nigeria last time out.
- Brazil are without Ederson due to an injury, although Alisson should remain as the starter. Another absentee for manager Tite will be David Neres, as the Ajax winger has been ruled out of this contest. Neymar is also out, with the PSG star's season plagued by injury.
Expected Starting XI: Alisson; Danilo, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Arthur, Fabinho; Richarlison, Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho
ARGENTINA
- Argentina ended the 2019 Copa America in third place, as manager Lionel Scaloni saw his team improve as the tournament progressed. They are also undefeated in their last four friendly matches following that tournament (W2, D2). During that span, they produced a 4-0 win over Mexico and a 2-2 draw on the road against Germany. They are coming off a huge 6-1 victory against Ecuador.
- Argentina won’t make too many changes to the team that has been playing in recent months following the 2019 Copa America, but the biggest news will be the return of Lionel Messi following his suspension. Starting goalkeeper Franco Armani will be rested since he will play in the 2019 Copa Libertadores final next week.
Expected Starting XI: Esteban Andrada; Juan Foyth, Nicolás Otamendi, Walter Kannemann (Germán Pezzella), Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso; Lionel Messi; Lautaro Martínez, Sergio Agüero
THE PREDICTION
Matches between Brazil and Argentina are often very intense even when they are friendlies, and that’s not expected to change here since both sides always want to hold the bragging rights over their long-time opponents. Brazil have the more experienced squad and recently defeated Argentina last July, but Argentina are on a better run of form at the moment. If we consider Argentina have scored 12 goals in their last three games while Brazil have conceded in every single game over that span, then we could be in line for a game where both teams should score. Argentina should be treated as slight favourites, though, particularly given the Messi factor.
