Brazil will look to continue their preparations for the World Cup as they take on Panama at the Maracana in a friendly on Sunday evening.
Brazil were far from spectacular in their World Cup qualifying campaign, as they only finished in fifth position in the table, 10 points behind table-toppers Argentina.
Since then, Carlo Ancelotti’s men have played six friendlies, winning just three of them (W3-D2-L1), with the most recent one being a 3-1 success over Croatia at the beginning of last month.
Panama secured qualification for the World Cup finals for just the second time ever and the first since 2018, as they finished top of their World Cup qualifying group, finishing three points clear of nearest challengers Suriname.
Thomas Christiansen’s men have since been in friendly action four times since the turn of the year, with their only success coming against South Africa, whilst also drawing with Bafana Bafana and Bolivia, and losing to Mexico.
How the bookies view it: Brazil clear favourites
Unsurprisingly, Brazil have been installed as clear favourites to win here, with bet365 pricing a home success at just 1/10.
Panama are massive 18/1 underdogs to leave the Maracana with an historic victory, whilst the draw is also unfancied at 8/1.
Head to head: Brazilian dominance
Brazil are unbeaten in each of their five meetings with Panama, winning four of them (W4-D1-L0).
However, that draw did come in their last clash in a friendly in Portugal in 2019.
Players to watch: More magic from Raphinha?
Injuries plagued Raphinha at the end of the season for Barcelona, but he still managed seven goals across his last five appearances, including a brace against Real Betis a fortnight ago.
The ex-Leeds United attacker was the Selecao’s top scorer in qualifying, and he is an appealing 1/1 at bet365 to get on the scoresheet in the Maracana on Sunday evening.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Predicted line-ups:
Brazil will be without the injured trio of Estevao, Rodrygo and Neymar, whilst Marquinhos, Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli are involved in the Champions League final.
Panama may be without Adalberto Carrasquilla, as he is a major doubt due to injury.
Brazil: Alisson, Wesley, Bremen, Pereira, Sandro, Casemiro, Guimaraes, Henrique, Raphinha, Cunha, Vinicius Jnr
Panama: Mosquera, Murillo, Cordoba, Miller, Davis, Harvey, Martinez, Rodriguez, Barcenas, Diaz, Fajardo
Anything else catch the eye?
With Brazil incredibly short-priced favourites, it’s particularly hard to find value, even more so given it’s a friendly.
Given they are without a number of their attacking stars, it could pay off by backing unders, with a Brazil Win & Under 3.5 Goals paying 23/20 at Betfred.
Despite missing their two regular centre backs, the Selecao are expected to limit Panama going forward, and a Brazil Win to Nil can be backed at 8/11 at Skybet.
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