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2018 World Cup Qualifiers: Brazil vs Venezuela preview

Kick off: 14 October @02:00 CET

Venue: Estadio Castelao (Fortaleza, Brazil)

Head to head record

Brazil vs Venezuela 2-1 (2015 Copa America)
Brazil vs Venezuela 0-0 (2011 Copa America)
Brazil vs Venezuela 0-0 (2010 World Cup qualifier)
Venezuela vs Brazil 0-4 (2010 World Cup qualifier)
Brazil vs Venezuela 0-2 (International friendly)

Brazil

Last 5 matches

Chile vs Brazil 2-0 (2018 World Cup qualifier)
USA vs Brazil 1-4 (International friendly)
Costa Rica vs Brazil 0-1 (International friendly)
Brazil vs Paraguay 1-2 (2015 Copa America)
Brazil vs Venezuela 2-1 (2015 Copa America)

Team News

Superstar forward Neymar (67/46) continues to miss out through suspension, whereas Bayern defender Rafinha rejected the Brazil call and Philippe Coutinho withdrew, with Kaka added to the roster.

Rafinha Alcantara and Roberto Firmino are also unavailable through injury, whereas suffered an ankle injury in the 2-0 loss to Chile and is set for a month-long spell on the sidelines.

According to the latest reports, Carlos Dunga aims to make a total of four changes to his starting line-up, with Marquinhos replacing Luiz and Filipe Luis, Lucas Lima and Lucas Moura all expected to start.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Jefferson – Alves, Miranda, Marquinhos, Filipe Luis – Elias, Gustavo – Lucas Moura, Lucas Lima, Douglas Costa – Hulk.

Venezuela

Last 5 matches

Venezuela vs Paraguay 0-1 (2018 World Cup qualifier)
Venezuela vs Panama 1-1 (International friendly)
Venezuela vs Honduras 0-3 (International friendly)
Brazil vs Venezuela 2-1 (2015 Copa America)
Peru vs Venezuela 1-0 (2015 Copa America)

Team News

Important defender Fernando Amorebieta (14/1) is set to be recalled after serving his suspension, and he is expected to start at centre-back rather than occupy the left-back position like in previous games for the national team.

Former Barcelona starlet Jeffren Suarez (2/0), who had earlier switched his allegiance from Spain, is rated doubtful with a muscular problem, with Ronald Vargas (21/3) ready to deputize if needed.

There are unlikely to be any other changes to the side following what was a promising performance in the unfortunate 1-0 defeat to Paraguay in their opening 2018 World Cup qualifier.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Baroja – Rosales, Vizcarrondo, Amorebieta, Cichero – Jeffren, Rincon, Seijas, Gonzalez – Rondon, C. Santos.

Interesting Facts

*Brazil scored just two goals in last three meetings with Venezuela. Under 2.5 goals is available at 2.20 (6/5).

*Two of those three matches ended in goalless draws. With Neymar, Coutinho and Firmino missing, Brazil to score under 2.5 goals pays 1.60 (3/5).

*There were no goals scored in first periods of three of Venezuela’s last four competitive matches. Goalless draw at half-time pays 3.50 (5/2).

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