Scotland vs Brazil Predicted Lineups & Team News

With three points on the board after two matches, Scotland need a point against Brazil in Miami to book their place in the final 32. Depending on the other groups, a narrow defeat may be enough to secure them a passage through, but they’d like to do it on their own terms.

So who can Steve Clarke rely on for this one? Below you can find the latest Scotland vs Brazil Predicted Lineups & Team News. 

Scotland vs Brazil Odds

Scotland

Scotland boss Clarke has a decision to make as to whether to go with two strikers, as he did in the 1-0 win over Haiti, or to once again push Scott McTominay into an attacking role. Strangely, Lawrence Shankland wasn’t called upon at all even when Scotland were chasing a goal against Morocco, with Lyndon Dykes instead chosen to replace Che Adams.

I can see Shankland coming back into the XI here as he is Scotland’s best finisher, with McTominay likely to be in the number 10 role. Ben Gannon-Doak can also surely not be left on the bench again, with the right winger Scotland’s brightest spark in North America so far. 

Ryan Christie and Lewis Ferguson should start in midfield, leaving John McGinn on the left of midfield, after Kieran Tierney came off with an issue. Despite criticism, we can expect Grant Hanley and the rest of the back four to retain their places, with Angus Gunn set to continue in goal.

Brazil

After a much-improved showing against Haiti, Carlo Ancelotti would have loved to have named an unchanged XI against Scotland. Unfortunately for the experienced Italian manager, Raphinha picked up a hamstring injury and is now set to miss the next few games at a minimum, with serious concerns over his tournament future. 

Bournemouth winger Rayan is set to replace him in the starting XI, having done well off the bench, joining Mathus Cunha and Vinicius Jr in attack. Cunha was left out of the draw with Morocco for Igor Thiago but scored twice against Haiti and has surely established himself as the first-choice striker. 

Danilo and Douglas Santos look set to continue at full-back, while Ancelotti clearly likes the midfield trio of Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaeraes. Alisson will keep his spot in goal behind centre-backs Gabriel and Marquinhos.

Key Player: Angus Gunn (Scotland)

A clean sheet takes Scotland through. Simple as that. Unfortunately for Clarke, none of his goalkeepers have had any serious playing time for their clubs this season, and so Gunn isn’t coming into the World Cup in any sort of form.

He got a clean sheet against Haiti, making two saves, while Morocco only tested him twice, with Ismael Saibari’s early strike proving unstoppable. Gunn needs to have a blinder here, with Brazil gunning for top spot and in a goal difference tussle with Morocco. If Scotland are to earn the point they need, you feel Gunn will have to make several key saves. 

Key Player: Casemiro (Brazil)

Not the man who immediately jumps to mind perhaps, but a crucial cog in this Brazilian side. Knowing which version of Casemiro we are going to get is now difficult, with the former Manchester United man stinking out the place against Morocco before being hooked, but then looking composed against Haiti.

Scotland’s midfielder, McTominay in particular, will truly test the 34-year-old. If he wins that battle with the Napoli man then Brazil win. If he doesn’t, the door opens up for Scotland to do something special. All eyes on Casemiro, rather than the vibrant attackers.

For all of our coverage and betting markets for the festival of football this summer, please check out our World Cup Odds over on betfred.com