Brazil may not cut loose in Saudi Arabia

Friendly
7pm Friday

Brazil may have one eye on Tuesday evening’s friendly showdown with Argentina but they can enjoy the ideal preparation with a smooth success against Saudi Arabia.

Tite may protect some of his star names before the mouthwatering duel with their South American rivals, but he has a strong squad at his disposal and whatever side he fields should be too strong for the limited hosts.

Everton ace Richarlison, who notched a brace on his first start in September’s 5-0 win over El Salavador, is likely to feature, while there should also be substantial playing time for Juventus winger Douglas Costa and Barcelona midfielder Arthur.

Poster boy Neymar, midfield magician Philippe Coutinho and Premier League trio Roberto Firmino, Gabriel Jesus and Lucas Moura are all in Tite’s squad which is brimming with attacking quality.

Saudi Arabia don’t have as much to cheer about going forward. They failed to score in World Cup defeats against Russia (5-0) and Uruguay (1-0) and look unlikely to breach a Brazil defence who have kept clean sheets in their last seven friendlies.

But the visitors may win without cutting loose. Only one of Brazil's last 12 matches has featured four or more goals and Saudi Arabia, with home advantage, could offer stiff resistance.

Recommendation
Brazil to win & under 3.5 goals
1pt 23-20 Coral, Ladbrokes

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

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