Tite lines Brazil up in their standard 4-4-2, with Alisson chosen over Ederson to start in goal. The experienced centre-back pairing of SIlva and Marquinhos is joined on either side by Arana and Danilo at left and right back to complete the defence. Paqueta and Ribeiro start on the wings with Fabinho and Gerson patrolling midfield, while an attacking duo of Gabi and Jesus will provide the Venezuela defence all they can handle.
Venezuela start with Graterol between the posts, behind a back four of Hernandez, Mejias, Ferraresi and Gonzelez. Martinez and Soteldo sit in midfield either side of captain Rincon, while an attacking trident of Penaranda, Ramirez and Machis will look to supply the side with goals.
BRAZIL SUBS: Weverton, Ederson, Alex Sandro, Emerson, Eder Militao, Lucas Verissimo, Fred, Edenilson, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Arthur Cabral, Antony.
BRAZIL XI (4-4-2): Alisson; Guilherme Arana, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo; Lucas Paqueta, Gerson, Fabinho, Everton Ribeiro; Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Barbosa.
VENEZUELA SUBS: Wuilker Farinez, Luis Romero, Jhon Chancellor, Christian Makoun, Roberto Rosales, Daniel Carrillo, Eduard Bello, Cristian Casseres, Fernando Aristeguieta, Sergio Cordova.
VENEZUELA XI (4-3-3): Joel Graterol; Ronald Hernandez, Joshua Mejias, Nahuel Ferraresi, Oscar Gonzalez; Jose Martinez, Tomas Rincon, Yeferson Soteldo; Adalberto Penaranda, Eric Ramirez, Darwin Machis.
With 15 minutes to go before kick-off, let's take a look at how the two sides are lining up - starting with our hosts!
All-conquering Brazil have managed eight wins from eight matches played, which has Tite’s side in a commanding position - six points ahead of Argentina at the top of the group. Normally known for their attacking flair, it’s been the Selecao’s rock-solid defence that has kept them on top, going six consecutive matches since conceding a goal (a 4-2 win over Peru 11 months ago).
Bringing up the rear in South American World Cup qualification, Venezuela have managed just four points in their opening nine matches. Having never beaten Brazil in an official match, today’s hosts will be looking to at least keep it tight at the back, as it was in their match last November; a contest the Selecao won 1-0 thanks to a late Roberto Firmino goal.
Hello and welcome to our LIVE commentary of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying fixture between Venezuela and Brazil!
