Brazil probable line-up vs Republic of Ireland 2nd March 2010

All smiles for Brazil

Brazil take on the Republic of Ireland this evening in their last fixture before the World Cup in South Africa. Coach Dunga has said that the time for experimenting is over and that he has already decided the majority of 23 players he’ll be calling up later this year. Even so, Brazil are expected to field a strong team in Arsenal’s Emirates stadium for today’s match.

Luís Fabiano is injured and so Robinho and Adriano should lead the line for the South Americans.

The Brazilians are a superstitious bunch and pundits back home have pointed out that their five world titles have been won when the country played their final warm up game in Brazil. However, Dunga and co consider the Emirates to be their second home. Brazil have appeared there four times: beating Argentina 3-1, Sweden 1-0, Italy 2-0 and Portugal 2-0.

Brazil probable: Julio César, Maicon, Lúcio, Juan, Michel Bastos, Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Ramires, Kaká, Robinho, Adriano

Coach: Dunga

Republic of Ireland possible: Given, Kelly, MCShane, Sean, Kilbane, Lawrence, Whelan, Keith Andrews, Duff; Leon Best (Robbie Keane), Doyle

Coach: Giovanni Trapattoni

Venue: Emirates Stadium, London

Date: 02/03/2010

Kick off: 20:05 (London)    17h05 (Brasília)

Referee: Martin Atkinson Dean (England)