Brazil’s win streak will be put to the test on Thursday night as the table-topping Selecao travel to Caracas with eight wins from eight to their name. The postponement of last month’s game against Argentina could present a fixture headache down the road and as such Tite will be eager to ensure his side’s berth in Qatar is rubber stamped as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Venezuela, however, will not be an easy out. At home they have beaten Chile and drawn with Uruguay. While they will almost certainly not be overturning a nine-point gap to reach the intercontinental playoffs (let alone one of the four automatic qualification spots), they may at least be able to delay Brazil’s path. Here’s how you can watch the match and everything you need to know:
Viewing information
Date: Thursday, Oct. 7 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Estadio Olimpico de la UCV — Caracas, Venezuele
TV and Live stream: fuboTV (Try now)
Odds: Venezuela +1400; Draw +360; Brazil -350 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Venezuela: With La Vinotinto on course to extend their wait for a first berth in the World Cup proper the next nine qualifiers could see Leo Gonzalez, who took the job in August, blood new players with MLS defensive duo Pablo Bonilla and Christian Makoun in line for first caps over the international break. The latter has proven to be a valuable player for Inter Miami this season and was named in the league’s team of the week last month.
MLS now has six representatives in the Venezuela squad, more than any other league.
Brazil: Tite has taken the unusual step of naming his starting XI the day before the game, according to the Associated Press. Barring any late injuries it is expected that the visitors will line up in Caracas as follows: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Guilheme Arana; Fabinho, Gerson, Lucas Paqueta; Everton Ribeiro, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Barbosa.
Neymar is suspended for this game while Casemiro has a tooth infection; in their absence Tite has indicated a willingness to try new players including a start for Marseille midfielder Gerson ahead of Manchester United’s Fred.
Prediction
Expect Brazil’s impressive path to Qatar to continue unabated with a strong win in Caracas. PICK: Venezuela 0 Brazil 2
