Brazil's transformation since current boss Tite replaced Dunga as manager almost a year ago has been nothing short of astonshing. Having been in danger of missing out on the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the Selecao have risen to the summit of the Conmebol standings under the guidance of their new coach, with eight consecutive victories seeing them book their place at the tournament before any other nation except the hosts. The five-time world champions are now suddenly among the favourites to lift the Jules Rimet trophy in 12 months' time, but Tite will be taking nothing for granted as he prepares to run the rule over some of the options at his disposal this weekend.
Argentina find themselves in an altogether more difficult position at present: after six wins, four draws and four defeats, the Albiceleste currently find themselves in fifth place in the World Cup qualification table; as things stand, they will not qualify for the tournament automatically. There is still time for Jorge Sampaoli's men – the ex-Sevilla boss was appointed in the last few days – to climb into the top four, but they cannot afford any further slip-ups if they are to avoid the intercontinental play-off spot. Sampaoli, who led Chile to victory at the 2015 Copa America, will use this friendly as a chance to get his ideas across to his players ahead of the next round of competitive fixtures in late August.
A number of Brazil's first-team stars, including Barcelona's Neymar, Juventus' Dani Alves and Real Madrid duo Casemiro and Marcelo, have been left at home for the upcoming trip to Australia. David Luiz has earned a recall after a fine club campaign with Chelsea, while both Monaco defender Jemerson and Manchester City's new goalkeeper Ederson will be hoping to win their first senior caps. Tite tends to favour a 4-3-3 formation but may be tempted to experiment given that there are no points on the line.
Argentina have also opted against including some of their key players in their travelling party, namely Barcelona's Javier Mascherano and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero. Overall, though, a strong squad has been selected, with Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, Nicolas Otamendi and Angel Di Maria all in line to feature at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Argentina's problem for a number of years now has been a lack of balance between attack and defence, and that is something Sampaoli will have to address in the coming months.
This is a difficult match to call, as victory is not usually the primary purpose of friendlies. Having said that, both teams will be keen to triumph given their rivalry, and on balance it could be worth backing Argentina to win with both teams to score. In the anytime goalscorer market, Dybala would be an astute choice.
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