The Stats Zone
October 9 2024, 09:34 · Trystan Pugh

Chile vs Brazil Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CONMEBOL) | Group Stage

Chile vs Brazil Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (CONMEBOL) | Group Stage

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Both Chile and Brazil will be desperate for a win here with both sides having been well under-par in CONMEBOL qualifying so far

KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Friday 11th October, 2024: UK – 1:00am / US ET – 8:00pm (Thursday) / US PT – 5:00pm (Thursday)

HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – Not televised

HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Premier Player / US – Fanatiz

CHILE PREVIEW: TEAM IN CRISIS

The Chilean national team is at a real low right now with Ricardo Gareca’s side sitting on just five points after eight games played, with just one victory to speak of in that stretch. They have taken just a point from their last five CONMEBOL qualifiers – a home draw with Paraguay.

Last month’s defeat in Santiago to Bolivia was a particularly alarming one as it was their opponent’s first away win in qualifying for 31 years – certainly not a milestone Chile wanted to be on the wrong end of.

BRAZIL PREVIEW: DORIVAL UNDER PRESSURE

It’s not a whole lot better for Brazil, who are way off the pace when it comes to the leading teams in the CONMEBOL division. With four defeats in their last five qualifiers, there is a fair degree of pressure on head coach Dorival Junior right now, and he really needs a couple of positive results in October to improve his side’s footing in the table.

Last month’s fixtures saw the Selecao narrowly beat Ecuador 1-0 before a defeat by the same scoreline at the hands of Paraguay. Failing to qualify for the World Cup would be unthinkable though, and they still have plenty of time to turn things around as we reach the halfway stage in qualifying.

CHILE TEAM NEWS: SWEEPING CHANGES

Gareca has axed goalkeeper Gabriel Arias from the squad, meaning Brayan Cortes could earn his second international cap against the Selecao, while Maurizio Isla has also not made the squad.

In general, it is likely to be a significantly different team from that which lost to to Bolivia, as Gareca seeks to change things up in an attempt to seek improvement.

PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Cortes; Loyola, Maripan, P Diaz, Galdames; Valdes, Osorio, Echeverria, Pulgar; Vargas, Davila

UNAVAILABLE: Sanchez (Injured), Catalan (Injured), Pizarro (Injured), Suazo (Injured), Nunez (Injured)

QUESTIONABLE:

BRAZIL TEAM NEWS: ALISSON AND VINICIUS ABSENT

Brazil will be without goalkeeper Alisson and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior. Ederson will deputise between the sticks, while Endrick could be given a start alongside clubmate Rodrygo and in-form Barcelona star Raphinha in a new-look frontline.

Eder Militao is one of a number of defensive absentees, with Arsenal's Gabriel expected to partner Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos at centre-back once more.

PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Telles; Andre, Bruno Guimaraes, Paqueta; Raphinha, Endrick, Rodrygo

UNAVAILABLE: Alisson (Injured), Bremer (Injured), Militao (Injured), Arana (Injured) Vinicius (Injured)

QUESTIONABLE: TBC

CHILE VS BRAZIL PREDICTION

This is a meeting between two teams who have experienced much better days in the past. This Chile team in particular is one of the poorest sides from the nation in recent memory, while Brazil – who no doubt boast superior talent all over the pitch – have simply been underperforming.

One of Chile’s main weaknesses has been their inability to provide a consistent attacking threat, with just four goals scored throughout their campaign to date. Brazil have at least been a little more effective in that department, despite not impressing overall, and we’re backing the decorated visitors to kick-start their campaign here.

CHILE VS BRAZIL TIP: BRAZIL TO WIN & OVER 2.5 GOALS