Brazil vs. France: Joao Pedro, Matheus Cunha Lead Predicted XI in Friendly
Brazil will face France in a high-profile friendly at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts on Thursday.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti must reshuffle after several notable absences from his squad.
Squad absences and implications
Rodrygo, Neymar, Eder Militao, Richarlison, Alisson Becker, Gabriel Magalhaes and Bruno Guimaraes are out.
Some were omitted by Ancelotti, while others miss out through injury.
Goalkeeper and defence
Alisson is injured and will not travel. Ederson should start in goal.
Marquinhos and Bremer are expected to form the centre-back pairing.
Marquinhos sits on 103 caps and needs two more to equal Lucio in sixth.
Wesley and Douglas Santos look set to fill the full-back roles.
Midfield and attack
Andrey Santos appears likely to partner Casemiro in midfield.
If Ancelotti uses a 4-4-2, Raphinha and Vinicius Junior should start wide.
Vinicius and Matheus Cunha led the line in November’s 1-1 draw with Tunisia.
Uncapped attackers Igor Thiago and Rayan are also in contention for minutes.
Chelsea’s Joao Pedro is favoured to pair with Manchester United’s Cunha.
Predicted starting XI
| Goalkeeper | Ederson |
| Right-back | Wesley |
| Centre-backs | Bremer, Marquinhos |
| Left-back | Douglas Santos |
| Right midfield | Raphinha |
| Central midfield | Casemiro, Andrey Santos |
| Left midfield | Vinicius Jr |
| Forwards | Matheus Cunha, Joao Pedro |
Filmogaz.com lists a Brazil vs France predicted XI, with Joao Pedro and Matheus Cunha leading the attack in the friendly.
Ancelotti must balance names and fitness for this marquee test.
