Carlo Ancelotti will name a much-changed Brazil team for Saturday’s international friendly with India but insists the newcomers are not on trial.
India are ranked 138 in the world and represent the weakest nation Brazil have faced in nearly 30 years, since the meeting with Andorra in 1998. And it is with that in mind that Ancelotti will shake up his starting XI.
The experienced Italian was at pains, however, to stress it was an opportunity for the incoming players and they should not feel under any additional pressure to perform.
He said in remarks reported by Lance: “For them it’s not proof [of why they were named in the squad]. It’s an opportunity for them to show the quality they have. [You have to] take all this very calmly, because it’s not a test for them.
“The game can go well, it can go wrong, but it doesn’t matter to what we’re going to do in the future. Let’s give them other opportunities.”
Brazil’s senior players have hardly covered themselves in glory over recent months, falling at the round of 16 stage at the World Cup to Norway and requiring a late equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw in the first of two friendlies in Australia.
Brazil won the second encounter 4-2 but there were still question marks around the level of performance.
Despite the indifferent displays Down Under, Ancelotti insists he can take a lot from being with the players for so long during this elongated international break.
“It has been an interesting period,” he added. “We have had the opportunity to spend more time with the players, train a little more, consider a little more the technical and tactical aspects of the game. For the players, they didn’t need to travel much, they had more recovery opportunities and will be able to return to the clubs in better conditions. It was a good idea to join the September and October windows into one.”
For India this is a special occasion. And although the home fans may not get the chance to see the likes of Vinicius Jr and Gabriel in action, having Brazil play in the country marks a major landmark.
India have won just four of their last 25 games but did get an encouraging 1-1 draw with Panama in Bangalore last week.
Team News for India v Brazil
India boss Khalid Jamil will stick with the same squad that performed so well against Panama. Ryan Williams is the hosts’ main threat.
Arsenal duo Gabriel and Bruno Guimarães missed training on Wednesday and are likely to watch from the sidelines. Raphinha pulled out of the squad in Australia due to injury and has returned to Barcelona for tests.
Ancelotti has already confirmed Pedro Morisco will start in goal.
Expected line-ups for India v Brazil
India: Singh Sandhu; A Singh, Varghese, Ali, Mishra; Apuia, Thapa; Partap Singh, Williams, Kuruniyan; M Singh
Brazil: Morisco; Matheuzinho, Reis, Marquinhos, D Santos; A Santos, Gabriel Bontempo, Bidon; Estevao, Martinelli, Endrick
Stats for India v Brazil
- Brazil have not faced a team ranked outside the top 100 since 2010, when they beat Tanzania 5-1
- India have not scored in 13 of their last 25 games
- Ancelotti has won 11 of his 19 matches in charge of Brazil
Where to watch India v Brazil
India versus Brazil kicks off on Saturday at 3pm UK time. It is not being shown or streamed in the UK but, depending on where you live, you may be able to watch it on Sony Sports.
Prediction for India v Brazil
This is a total mis-match and Brazil should win comfortably. Even without several star names, the newcomers will be desperate to impress and should have far too much quality for the Blue Tigers.
Prediction: India 0-5 Brazil
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
