By Amanda Langell
Dorival Junior will undoubtedly make changes to his starting lineup and formation against Paraguay after Brazil's lackluster first performance at Copa America 2024.
If Brazil want to make a third consecutive Copa America final, the Selecao must iron out their attack. The favorites to win Group D only scored one goal against the USA on June 12, and then could not find the back of the net against Costa Rica less than two weeks later.
Brazil's defense, led by Marquinhos and Eder Militao, looks ready to make a deep run in the tournament, but the backline needs their superstar teammates, including Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, to deliver up front. To help get them going against Paraguay in Brazil's second Copa America 2024 match, Dorival Junior will stray away from his favored 4-3-3 and starting XI.
Here's what Brazil's lineup could be against Paraguay on June 28.
Brazil predicted lineup vs Paraguay (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson - Alisson did his job last match and kept a clean sheet, something he will look to duplicate against Paraguay.
RB: Danilo - Danilo was one of Brazil's best players against Costa Rica, and the Selecao will need their captain to continue contributing on the attack if they want to find success against compact defenses.
CB: Marquinhos - Marquinhos will once again line up alongside Militao at the back. Expect the PSG defender to be a prime target on set pieces.
CB: Eder Militao - Militao proved he has fully recovered from his ACL injury after playing 90 minutes against Costa Rica, cementing his place in Brazil's starting XI.
LB: Guilherme Arana - Now thatArana got the nod over Wendell at left-back, it is unlikely that Dorival Junior will change his backline that held Costa Rica to zero shots on goal.
CM: Douglas Luiz - Although Joao Gomes did not play poorly last match, Brazil need a change in the midfield if they want to improve their attack, and Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz is the right option alongside Bruno.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes - Barring a massive shock, Bruno will play every one of Brazil's games at Copa America 2024, and will give Luiz more freedom to link up with the attackers up front.
RW: Raphinha - Raphinha has struggled in his last two outings for Brazil, but a game against Paraguay and a slightly altered formation might be what the Barcelona player needs to rediscover his form.Raphinha could very well find himself on the bench, though, should the manager look to make a bold statement and start Savio or Endrick.
AM: Lucas Paqueta - Playing Paqueta in a more advanced role gives the West Ham United man more opportunities to use his creativity to facilitate more scoring opportunitiesfor his side, especially after Vini Jr., Raphinha, and Rodrygo struggled to produce any memorable balls or shots last match.
LW: Vinicius Junior - All eyes will be on Vini Jr. against Paraguay after the Ballon d'Or frontrunner was subbed out in the 71st minute against Costa Rica after mightily struggling to find any space or quality chances.
ST: Rodrygo - Although it is not his preferred position,Rodrygo is no stranger to slotting in at striker for Real Madrid. Now, the 23-year-old will be the lone man up top to give Brazil the best chance at scoring their first goal of the tournament.
This article was originally published on 90min.com as Brazil predicted starting lineup vs Paraguay: Copa America 2024.
