South American expert Nathan Joyes believes Brazil can continue their 100% qualification record, despite lacking Premier League quality due to travel restrictions.
“The striker has been lethal for Atletico Mineiro since he signed earlier this year, scoring nine goals in 28 appearances. He’s also their top goalscorer in the Copa Libertadores.”
Chile v Brazil
Friday, 02:00
Live on Betfair
Big names set to miss out for Brazil
Despite football returning to normality within England, the international break is a firm reminder that travel restrictions are very much in place – a headache for both managers and players alike.
The Premier League announced that it would be to the clubs discretion as to whether or not players would be able to travel to South America for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers and while that may deeply impact certain nations, others are likely to benefit.
Brazil have arguably been hit the hardest, as Liverpool have decided to not allow Alisson, Fabinho and Firmino (who has scored three goals in qualifying) will all miss out.
Everton’s Richarlison will also remain in England, who has also scored three goals in qualifying, as will Man City’s Gabriel Jesus. Chelsea’s Thiago Silva is another who will have to stay at Chelsea and miss out – and he’s already expressed his disappointment on social media.
Fan favourite Hulk can produce the goods
The 35-year-old powerful striker, who made his debut back in 2009, has been re-called and is set to win his 49th cap against Chile. His last appearance for the national side was at the 2014 World Cup – not many would have expected him to make a comeback seven years on, but his form this season can’t be ignored.
The striker has been lethal since signing for Atletico Mineiro earlier this year from Shanghai Port, scoring nine goals in 28 appearances.
He’s also their top goalscorer in the Copa Libertadores for Mineiro, who have reached the semi-finals in this year’s tournament.
He’ll look to bully the Chilean backline and he’s an ideal replacement in Firmino’s absence and one in which the fans are likely to embrace.
Brazil’s 100% record on the line
Although there are plenty of negatives for Brazil, Neymar will still be available and Vinicius Junior has also been called up, who has started the season strong for Real Madrid. He came off the bench against Levante and scored a brace; a performance which certainly caught the eye.
The market still has Brazil priced as the favourites but the Copa America runners up have drifted to 1.9520/21, which can’t be dismissed lightly. Despite the Brazilian squad appearing weaker, a front trio of Neymar, Junior and Hulk will cause havoc.
Chile lack any real threat
Chile come into this encounter having only won one match in their last five, which was a scrappy 1-0 victory against Bolivia in the Copa America.
Brazil beat Chile 1-0 last time out in the Copa America, but Man City’s Gabriel Jesus was sent off in the 48th minute when the game was 0-0, suggesting the score line could have been far greater if they had kept all eleven on the pitch.
Chile’s only win in qualifying to date was a 2-0 victory over Peru, drawing three, losing two having only scored eight goals so far. A recent draw with Bolivia makes pretty grim reading for Martín Lasarte’s side.
To make matters worse, strikers Ben Brereton Diaz and Alexis Sanchez both miss out, leaving Chile rather short up front.
With a real struggle to break teams down so far during qualifying, this match does present a better opportunity for the home side due to the high volume of Premier League stars missing. However, Brazil still have enough quality throughout their ranks to win a seventh straight match in this competition.
Flamengo’s Gabriel Barbosa, who has scored 22 goals in his last 24 appearances, could be given the nod and veteran Dani Alves will also be available for selection.
With the lack of attacking prowess up top for Chile, it might be worth chancing Brazil to win to nil at 3.02/1 and although it’s unclear who will start, both Gabi and Hulk represent some value at 4.57/2 and 5.59/2 to score first. It could pay to wait until the team news is announced for that particular bet.
Source: BetFair Tips
