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Brazil team news: Predicted 4-2-3-1 line up vs Peru – Winger out, trio doubtful for final
BRAZIL have several injury issues to contend with ahead of the Copa America final against Peru on Sunday (9pm BST).
The tournament hosts head into the final as overwhelming favourites, having smashed five goals past their upcoming opponents during the group stages.
That victory, coupled with a flattering 3-0 win over Bolivia, helped Tite’s side cruise into the knockout stages despite a dour 0-0 draw with Venezuela.
Brazil were then held to a 0-0 draw by Paraguay in the quarter-finals but triumphed on penalties before comfortably seeing off Argentina – albeit with the help of some questionable refereeing.
And now the Selecao are hunting their ninth Copa America title, with Sunday’s clash against Peru set to be their 20th appearance in the showpiece final.
The hosts have injury concerns with Willian ruled out due to a thigh injury and Richarlison still doubtful after recovering from the mumps.
Meanwhile, Filipe Luis was not fit enough to start against Argentina but is likely to return at left-back in place of Alex Sandro if available.
Fernandinho is also short of full fitness after suffering a knock earlier in the tournament but would not expect to start in any case.
Luis notwithstanding, Tite should pick the same settled rearguard made up of Dani Alves, Marquinhos and Thiago Silva with Alisson in goal.
Casemiro will be joined by Arthur in central midfield while the latter’s Barcelona team-mate Philippe Coutinho will continue to operate in the No 10 role.
Gabriel Jesus has done enough to secure a starting berth on the right flank after his earlier appearances off the substitutes bench.
Everton is also expected to get the nod ahead of David Neres while Liverpool frontman Roberto Firmino should lead the line.
Peru have had a less settled line-up throughout the competition but are unlikely to make any changes from the side that beat Chile 3-0 in the semi-finals.
Brazil predicted line-up vs Peru – Copa America final
(4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alves, Marquinhos, Silva, Luis; Casemiro, Arthur; Jesus, Coutinho, Everton; Firmino