Brazil vs Argentina: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Two of the world football giants set two lock horns

Brazil and Argentina haven't faced each other in two years due to various issues, including cancellations. Despite potential COVID-19 concerns, they'll finally meet in the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifying match at the Maracana.

Both teams are not in top form. Brazil hasn't won a game since September, suffering back-to-back defeats to Uruguay and Colombia. Argentina, on the other hand, faced their first loss since winning the World Cup, falling to Uruguay. The stage is set for an intriguing clash between these two struggling nations.

Kick-off

Tuesday, 21 November 2023, 7:30 PM ET

Wednesday, 22 November 2023, 12:30 AM GMT (6:00 AM IST)

Location: Maracana

Form

Brazil (in CONMEBOL): W-W-D-L-L

Argentina (in CONMEBOL): W-W-W-W-L

Players to watch for

Rodrygo (Brazil)

The in-form Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward, Rodrygo Goes will look to step up. Neymar was already injured, and now Vinicius Jr.'s news means that the rest of the team must take the mantle. Nonetheless, it is an opportunity to shine for Rodrygo, and he will be willing to grab it. He has 2 goals so far in the qualifiers for the Selecao.

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

In his last game for Argentina in 2023, fans will be hoping to see Lionel Messi's magic reaping rewards for the team before the new year. The 8-time Ballon d'Or winner has 3 goals in 4 games for his national team.

Match facts

• Brazil have an unbeaten record against Argentina in the last 6 outings (W5 D1)
• Argentina are leading the CONMEBOL qualifiers standings.
• They are two of the top 3 teams in the world and the biggest national rivals.

Injury and team news for Brazil vs Argentina

Brazil:

The Selecao face challenges ahead as Vinicius Junior is ruled out for the rest of the year due to a serious thigh injury. This setback compounds their recent 2-1 loss to Colombia. Neymar remains absent, recovering from an ACL tear, and Gabriel Jesus is uncertain due to a hamstring problem. While Gabriel Martinelli scored, the team lacks a recognised centre-forward. Interim coach Fernando Diniz turned to Joao Pedro and gave a late chance to 17-year-old Endrick in the absence of key players.

Argentina:

La Albiceleste's chief concern is the fitness of right-back Gonzalo Montiel, nursing a calf problem. He was an unused substitute in the recent defeat to Uruguay. Atletico Madrid's Nahuel Molina is a potential replacement. Despite Lionel Messi enduring a physical encounter at La Bombonera, he is expected to feature. However, coach Lionel Scaloni faces challenging decisions across the pitch following a disappointing team display.

Head-to-head

Matches: 113

Brazil: 46

Argentina: 41

Draws: 26

Predicted lineups for Brazil vs Argentina

Brazil (4-4-2)

Alisson; Royal, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Lodi; Raphinha, Guimaraes, Andre, Martinelli; Rodrygo, Pedro

Argentina (4-3-3)

Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, L. Martinez, Gonzalez

Match prediction for Brazil vs Argentina

The Selecao against the Albiceleste is always a feisty affair. Considering they both are coming off in the game after suffering defeats in their respective games, it is not dependent on the momentum. But we would go with a draw, a point each for the rivals.

Prediction: Brazil 1 - 1 Argentina

Telecast details

India: FanCode

UK: CONMEBOL TV

USA: Vix, Telemundo, Fubo, Fanatiz, Universo

Nigeria: FIFA+