Brazil v Bolivia: Copa America betting preview, tip and where to watch

TV: Premier Sports, 1.30am Friday night

Almost five years have passed since Brazil crashed out of the 2014 World Cup with a humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany but the Samba Stars can do better with home advantage at this summer's Copa America, starting with a comfortable victory over rank outsiders Bolivia at the Maracana.

Brazil got off to slow starts at their last two major tournaments – drawing 0-0 with Ecuador at the 2016 Copa America and 1-1 with Switzerland at last summer's World Cup.

But they should be far superior to Bolivia, who have not got past the group stage at six of their last seven Copa America appearances.

Bolivia finished ninth of ten teams in World Cup qualifying and all of their 14 points were harvested at the Hernando Siles Stadium in La Paz which, at 11,932 above sea level, is the highest venue of any capital city in the world.

They lost each of their nine away games, including a 5-0 defeat against Brazil in October 2016.

Neymar opened the scoring on that occasion but will not be involved this summer after being ruled out of the tournament with an ankle injury.

Losing the PSG superstar was a major blow but Brazil have plenty of strength-in-depth and manager Tite could not find room for Liverpool holding midfielder Fabinho, who excelled in the second half of the Premier League season.

There will be a strong Premier League presence in Brazil's attack with Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus expected to start the first game.

Richarlison has had a positive start to his international career, netting five goals in ten appearances, and is no bigger than 100-30 in the first scorer betting.

However, Manchester City centre-forward Jesus may pose the bigger threat. The 22-year-old netted twice in Brazil's 7-0 victory over Honduras last Sunday and looks a worthy favourite to break the deadlock against Bolivia.

Recommendation
G Jesus first scorer
1pt 11-4 bet365, Betfred

Team news
Brazil
Neymar (ankle) has been ruled out of the tournament and replaced by Willian.

Bolivia
Forward Rodrigo Ramallo withdrew with an injury and Ramiro Vaca has been called up as a replacement.

Key stat
Gabriel Jesus has scored on his last three starts for Brazil.

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