India Takes on Brazil: Bold Predictions, Key Matchups, and Starting Lineups Revealed

Brazil takes on India in their third and final friendly of the international window, marking the first-ever encounter between the two nations.

The Seleção have played back-to-back friendlies against Australia over the past fortnight, bouncing back from a frustrating 1–1 draw with an impressive 4–2 win as Carlo Ancelotti and his revamped squad look to move past their post-World Cup struggles.

While the Italian tactician has assembled an experimental squad packed with emerging talent, it was some recognizable names who found the net in Tuesday's victory. Raphinha, Bruno Guimarães and Vinícius Júnior all got on the scoresheet in Queensland.

Saturday's fixture is set to be a landmark moment for Indian football, with the Blue Tigers having warmed up with a 1–1 draw against Panama. Following their showdown with Brazil, they will face two-time world champion Uruguay next Tuesday.

India vs. Brazil Score Prediction

Brazil Hits India for Five

"We have respect for the quality of the Indian team," Ancelotti said ahead of the match, but the weekend's hosts know they will need something extraordinary to avoid a defeat when Brazil arrives.

Khalid Jamil's side currently sit 138th in FIFA's world rankings—133 spots below Brazil—and are simply outclassed by the five-time world champions, even with very little on the line.

The Seleção should assert their dominance emphatically as their attacking stars relish the space at Salt Lake Stadium, with the likes of Vini Jr., Estêvão and Endrick well-positioned to exploit a below-par defense.

India will be fortunate to even register a goal in this contest.

Prediction: India 0–5 Brazil

India Predicted Lineup vs. Brazil

There are no widely recognized names in the India squad, but 32-year-old forward Ryan Williams is one player Brazil may need to monitor closely after netting twice in his first three international outings.

Captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu will face a stern test in goal for the Blue Tigers as he earns his 90th cap, while uncapped 21-year-old goalkeeper Som Kumar is the only current squad member playing abroad—he features for Slovenian club ND Slovan.

Young Bengaluru defender Ricky Meetei Haobam could have the honor of making his senior international debut against Brazil.

India predicted lineup vs. Brazil (4-4-2): Sandhu; A. Singh, Varghese, Ali, Mishra; V. Singh, Apuia, Shabong, Kuruniyan; Williams, M. Singh.

Brazil Predicted Lineup vs. India

Raphinha has headed back to Barcelona with a hamstring injury sustained in the second match against Australia, meaning Endrick is expected to lead the attack once again.

Estêvão could also be reinstated on the right wing in place of Rayan, while Corinthians youngster Breno Bidon may earn his first international start in the No. 10 role.

Hugo Souza is likely to start in goal, with Matheuzinho, Marquinhos, Vitor Reis and Douglas Santos all potentially returning to the backline after featuring in the opening clash with Australia.

Bruno Guimarães is expected to be given a rest in midfield after starting both friendlies so far.

Brazil predicted lineup vs. India (4-2-3-1): Souza; Matheuzinho, Marquinhos, Reis, D. Santos; Luiz, A. Santos; Estêvão, Bidon, Vini Jr.; Endrick.

What Time Does India vs. Brazil Kick Off?

How to Watch India vs. Brazil on TV, Live Stream