Brazil v Serbia predictions: Samba Stars could stall in their opening game

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Brazil v Serbia in World Cup Group G on Thursday.

Where to watch

BBC One, 7pm Thursday

Best bet

Draw
1pt 7-2 Betfair, Betfred

Brazil have arguably the most attacking options of any team in the tournament but it could take time for head coach Tite to settle on his best 11 and there is every chance of a less than perfect performance against Serbia, who are powerful enough and talented enough to secure a point.

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Match preview

Brazil have won their opening match at nine of the last ten World Cups but they were held to a 1-1 draw by Switzerland at Russia 2018 and might have to accept a point against Serbia in Lusail.

Almost every Brazilian team has had to deal with the sky-high expectations of their fanbase, but there are plenty of neutral observers who believe that Tite's team have what it takes to lift the trophy.

However, Brazil were knocked out by European teams at the last four World Cups and they have plenty of respect for Serbia, who qualified in impressive style.

Serbia were disappointing at the last World Cup in Russia, where they opened up with a 1-0 win over Costa Rica before losing to Switzerland and Brazil.

But the 2022 World Cup draw affords them the chance to show the Brazilians and the Swiss how much they have improved.

Aleksandar Mitrovic was their top scorer in qualifying with eight goals, including a dramatic 90th-minute winner away to Portugal which clinched a 2-1 victory and sealed qualification.

The Fulham striker had been struggling with an ankle injury but he has been declared fully match fit. Where he starts or not, Fiorentina striker Luka Jovic, who is battling to rebuild his career after a difficult spell with Real Madrid, is a decent backup option.

Jovic has shown some encouraging recent signs, scoring six goals in his last 11 club appearances, and there is no doubting the quality of Dusan Vlahovic, who transferred from Fiorentina to Juventus last January and finished the season with 24 Serie A goals.

Service into the front two, probably Mitrovic and Vlahovic, should be decent with classy Ajax veteran Dusan Tadic operating in an advanced midfield role and Juventus's Filip Kostic capable of excellent deliveries from left-wingback.

There is plenty for Brazil to think about and they may not enjoy the dominance that they have been accustomed to during World Cup qualifying.

Brazil head coach Tite is spoilt for choice in the forward areas and can still rely on Neymar to come up with match defining moments.

The spine of his team looks immensely strong with top-class goalkeeper Alisson receiving excellent protection from central defenders Thiago Silva and Marquinhos, but there is a lack of outstanding quality in the full-back areas and there are questions over the balance of the side, depending on whether the offensive-minded Lucas Paqueta or the more pragmatic Fred is chosen alongside Casemiro in midfield.

Given the strength of their squad, there is the potential for Brazil to go all the way.

However, Tite may need a few games to settle on his best line-up and that could be good news for a strong Serbia side, who look decent value to nick a point.

Key stat

Serbia have lost just one of their last 18 competitive games

Team news

Brazil
Antony, Bruno Guimaraes and Alex Telles have shaken off minor injures, affording Tite the luxury of selecting from a fully fit squad.

Serbia
Aleksandar Mitrovic (ankle) is fully match fit but Filip Kostic is an injury doubt.

Probable teams

Brazil (4-2-3-1) Alisson; Danilo, Silva, Marquinhos, Alex Sandro; Paqueta, Casemiro; Neymar; Raphinha, Jesus, Vinicius Junior.

Serbia (3-4-1-2) V Milinkovic-Savic; Veljkovic, Milenkovic, Pavlovic; Zivkovic, Gudelj, S Milinkovic-Savic, Kostic; Tadic; Vlahovic, Mitrovic.

Inside info

Brazil

Top scorer in probable team Neymar
Star player Neymar
Penalty taker Neymar
Assist ace Neymar
Set-piece aerial threat Thiago Silva
Card magnet Casemiro

Serbia

Top scorer in probable team Aleksandar Mitrovic
Star player Aleksandar Mitrovic
Penalty taker Dusan Vlahovic
Assist ace Dusan Tadic
Set-piece aerial threat Aleksandar Mitrovic
Card magnet Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Brazil v Serbia Bet Builder

Brazil v Serbia draw Serbia have lost just one of their last 18 competitive games and they can match the tournament favourites
Under 2.5 goals Brazil's three group matches at the 2018 World Cup all featured less than three goals and the low-scoring trend may continue
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to be carded The Lazio midfielder is very talented but he also loves a tackle and looks a strong candidate for a booking.

Price guide 11-1