Brazil probable line-up vs England November 2009

The meeting of one great footballing mind and Dunga

See Brazil’s squad in full here

For a look at Brazil’s latest stars in the making, check out Brazil: The Factory 2009 here

Brazil take on England in Doho, Qatar, for the first of three international friendlies before the World Cup finals in South Africa next year.

Dunga’s men see the England game as a real test against one of their main contenders in the competition in 2010.

Brazil and England have met 22 times with the South Americans well on top with 10 wins and only 3 losses.

The green and yellows have had a good season with convincing victories over Italy (twice), Argentina and Uruguay – though they struggled against Bolivia (1-2 loss) and Venezuela (0-0). Despite their good record, Dunga was forced to defend his tactics and style in a press conference held on Friday. The coach responded in a typically abrasive manner: “Brazil had one of the top scorers, the best attack, the best defence in the WC qualifiers and have won everything this year” [referring to the Confederations Cup].

For Saturday’s match, both teams are hit by injuries. Brazil are without Luisão, Ramires and Fábio Aurélio. Robinho, Naldo and Felipe Melo picked up knocks but may feature on the bench. England have no David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, and Emile Heskey. Captain, John Terry, is a doubt.

Brazil (probable): Julio César, Maicon, Thiago Silva, Lúcio, Michel Bastos, Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Daniel Alves (Elano), Kaká, Nilmar, Luis Fabiano.

Coach: Dunga

England (possible): Green, Brown, Upson, Lescott, Bridge, Carrick, Milner, Wright-Phillips, Barry, Rooney, Bent.

Coach: Fábio Capello

Venue: Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar

Date: 14/11/2009.

Kick off: 15:00 Brasília       17:00 London