With Daniel Alves as captain, Tite defines Brazil’s lineup for the duel against Paraguay

In training held this Monday at CT do Cruzeiro, coach Tite made six changes to the Brazilian team in relation to the team that entered the field against Ecuador last Thursday. The main novelty is the presence of the duo Lucas Paquetá and Philippe Coutinho among the holders for the match against Paraguay, at 21:30, at the Mineirão stadium.

The Lyon midfielder replaces Manchester United’s Fred as second midfielder. Right-back Emerson and defender Éder Militão, suspended, give way to Daniel Alves and Marquinhos. The first, even, will be the team captain in the confrontation. Left-back Alex Sandro, diagnosed with covid-19, will be replaced by Alex Telles.

The steering wheel Casemiro will be spared. Fabinho, from Liverpool, who returns from suspension, will be the holder of the position. In the goal, Tite continues to make a relay and will give an opportunity to Ederson, from Manchester City. The attacking trio will be the same as in the last three matches, with Raphinha, Matheus Cunha and Vinicius Júnior.

In a press conference held this Monday, Tite cited “common sense” regarding the Brazilian athletes who belong to Real Madrid, as the Merengues enter the field this Thursday, against Athletic Bilbao, for the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey. However, the commander chose to keep Vini Jr. in the starting lineup. The tendency is for the attacker to be substituted during the game.

Therefore, the Brazil’s probable lineup for the match is: Ederson; Daniel Alves, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva and Alex Telles; Fabinho, Lucas Paquetá and Philippe Coutinho; Raphinha, Vinicius Júnior and Matheus Cunha.

Already classified for the World Cup, the Brazilian team occupies the top of the South American Qualifiers, with 36 points. Paraguay, on the other hand, is the runner-up, with just 13 points, and has little chance of going to Qatar.