Chile vs. Brazil lineups, expected starting 11, confirmed team news:
Two South American teams in need of a turnaround face off in Santiago on Thursday as Brazil visits Chile for a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier.
Brazil managed to secure three points with a victory over Ecuador in September, moving up to fifth in the standings. However, a subsequent defeat to Paraguay erased the momentum gained from that win.
To complicate matters, Brazil is dealing with several key injuries, including Alisson and Vinicius Jr., who are both out, forcing the team to press on without some of their star players.
Chile is also struggling, sitting second to last in the standings after a humiliating home loss to Bolivia. While Bolivia’s high-altitude home field is notoriously tough, losing to them in Santiago is a major blow.
For this international break, coach Ricardo Gareca has made bold lineup decisions, omitting Gabriel Arias in favor of Brayan Cortes as the only goalkeeper with a senior cap. Injuries to key players like Gabriel Suazo and Marcelino Nunez, as well as the exclusion of veterans Alexis Sanchez, Gary Medel, Charles Aranguiz, and Mauricio Isla, further complicate matters.
Chile’s predicted XI (4-3-3): Cortes (GK) — Loyola, Maripan, P. Diaz, Galdames — Pulgar, Pavez, Echeverria — Valdes — Davila, Vargas.
Brazil is also missing key players, including Alisson, Eder Militao, Vinicius Jr., and Juventus defender Bremer, along with domestic players like Yan Couto, Pedro, and Guilherme Arana. Neymar remains out with an ACL injury but is expected to return soon.
Brazil’s predicted XI (4-3-3): Ederson (GK) — Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Telles — Paqueta, Pereira, Guimaraes — Raphinha, Rodrygo, Martinelli.