World Cup Qualification: Brazil vs. Colombia Picks — Tight Encounter Expected in Brasilia (Mar 20)

It has been far from an ideal start to the World Cup qualification campaign for Brazil, but there is still plenty of time to ensure their spot in North America’s global event next summer.

Brazil have won just five of their opening 12 matches, but they do come into this showdown after going four without a defeat.

Meanwhile, Colombia have suffered defeats in each of their last two, despite sitting a point ahead of their hosts this week.

Odds

Brazil Holds H2H Advantage

Brazil holds the head-to-head advantage over Colombia, but they come into this match without a win in two against their South American rivals.

The latest meeting came last summer, as the nations played out a 1-1 draw. Colombia were 2-1 winners in the last World Cup qualifier between the nations.

Brazil Team News

Neymar has pulled out of international selection for the upcoming qualifiers.

However, as expected, the nation has a wealth of talent in the final third, with Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, and Raphinha expected to feature. Newcastle duo Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes could also be handed starts this week.

Possible Lineup

Alisson (GK); Vanderson, Gabriel, Marquinhos, A. Sandro, B. Guimaraes, Joelinton, Gerson, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Raphinha

Colombia Team News

David Ospina is in line to win his 129th cap for Colombia this week.

James Rodriguez will captain his nation, while Jefferson Lerma, Daniel Munoz, and Luis Diaz are also expected to be named in the starting eleven in Brazil.

Possible Lineup

D. Ospina (GK); D. Munoz, Y. Mina, D. Sanchez, J. Lucumi, J. Lerma, J. Arias, J. Rodriguez, L. Diaz, R. Borre, J. Duran

Brazil vs. Colombia Picks

The strength that Brazil has in its squad is hard to overlook, and it could be argued that they are even stronger without the injured Neymar.

Their form has improved as qualifying has progressed, and this is a must-win encounter that we fully expect them to claim maximum points in.