Overview
- Ahead of Brazil's World Cup opener, coverage projects Carlo Ancelotti will use a 4-2-3-1 that shapes who plays wide and who supports the lone striker.
- Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson gave a pre-match interview that reporters interpret as a sign he will start despite having few competitive minutes since March.
- Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes is expected to pair with Casemiro in a familiar double pivot and observers note Casemiro is close to leaving Manchester United, a factor in selection planning.
- Vinicius Junior is widely seen as a nailed-on starter on one flank while Raphinha could be used centrally, leaving the right attacking slot open to Gabriel Martinelli, Rayan, Endrick or Luiz Henrique.
- The centre-forward choice remains unsettled with recognised options Igor Thiago and Endrick in the squad and Matheus Cunha a contender after leading the line in a recent friendly despite an own goal.