Brazil vs Colombia Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview
The South America World Cup qualifiers are back after a five month break and our expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Brazil vs Colombia Best Bet, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.
Although Brazil’s campaign has slightly improved, Dorival Junior’s side remain in 5th spot, and there’s plenty of work to do if they are to challenge in the 2026 World Cup. Neymar is once again sidelined, and we’ll have to wait a little longer for his return.
Colombia have crumbled since their defeat in Bolivia ended their 26 match unbeaten run, suffering consecutive defeats against Uruguay and Ecuador. Can they get back on track in Brasilia? Nathan takes a closer look for us.
Brazil vs Colombia Prediction: Hosts to sneak the win
Brazil, World Cup Qualifiers, Friday, March 21st, 00:45 (UK)
The 2024 Copa America’s finalists travel to Brazil hoping to achieve something they have never done before. Los Cafeteros have never beaten Brazil in their own backyard, and although the hosts aren’t quite the unit they once were, it’s going to be a tall order for them to break that unwanted record.
The two sides did meet at Copa America in the final group match, where Daniel Munoz’s strike cancelled out Raphinha’s opener, as both sides shared the points.
And although Brazil head into this match winless from their last two games, Colombia will need to regroup after falling to three defeats from their last five towards the back end of 2024.
A defeat in the dizzy heights of El Alto ended Colombia’s 26-match unbeaten run inside 90 minutes, and although returning to winning ways with a 4-0 romp over Chile in Barranquilla, the wind was knocked out of their sails.
A last gasp defeat against Uruguay followed, despite Carlos Gomez equalising in the 96th minute, before Ecuador came and conquered in Colombia with a 1-0 win. Despite those defeats, Colombia do sit one point above Brazil, but they have only picked up six points from a possible 18 on the road.
Away from the sweltering hot Barranquilla, they’ve struggled. And while Brazil have also struggled on the road, they’ve done most of their good work at home. Collecting 11 of their 17 points at home – losing just once – shows Brazil is still a difficult destination, despite their recent troubles.
Neymar’s long awaited comeback has been put on hold due to a thigh injury, and instead Endrick has been called up as his replacement. Brighton’s Joao Pedro is the sole no.9 selected prior to the 18-year-old’s arrival, but he’s likely to join him on the bench with Rodrygo preferred to lead the line under Dorival Junior.
Alongside Rodrygo will be Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Savinho – a front line that, in theory, should be enough to produce one or two moments of magic. Let’s not forget Estevao can be called upon, too.
It hasn’t yet come together for Brazil during these qualifiers, but the form of Raphinha and Rodrygo for their respective clubs will give Brazilians a boost ahead of this clash.
It won’t be easy, but Colombia’s performances on the road since Copa America leave a lot to be desired. A line can perhaps be put through their defeat to Bolivia, but their draw against Peru and 3-2 defeat to Uruguay showed holes within their game.
What will make this easier for the hosts, however, is the absence of the suspended Jhon Duran. The Al Nassr striker will feature against Paraguay – but will be watching this match from the bench.
That edge, alongside Colombia’s poor form on their travels, is enough to steer towards Brazil getting over the line in Brasilia.
- Brazil vs Colombia Prediction: Brazil to win
- Best Odds: 1.727
- Bookmaker: bet365
- Stake: 7/10
Brazil vs Colombia Prediction odds via bet365 as at 12:00, March 17th, 2025. Odds may now differ.
Brazil vs Colombia Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups
Dorival Junior prefers Liverpool’s Alisson between the sticks but his decision has been made easier with Ederson pulling out due to injury. Brazil are short in the full-back area, with Guilherme Arana their sole left-back available. Nottingham Forest’s Murillo could be an option.
Botafogo’s Igor Jesus hasn’t been called up, and Junior will have the choice of Rodrygo, Joao Pedro or Endrick to lead the line.
As mentioned, Colombia will be without Jhon Duran due to his accumulation of yellow cards, but captain James Rodriguez will be available to start in the no.10 role after impressing at his new club, Leon, in Mexico.
Brazil possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Arana, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Wesley, Guimaraes, Andre, Gerson, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior
Colombia possible starting lineup:
Vargas; Machado, Sanchez, Cuesta, Munoz, Lerma, Rios, Diaz, Rodriguez, Arias, Cordoba
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