Brazil vs Senegal – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Brazil and Senegal face off at the Emirates Stadium in London on Saturday, November 15, in an international friendly.

The Seleção seek to respond to their shock defeat against Japan last month, while the Lions of Teranga aim to extend their impressive winning streak as they prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Brazil vs Senegal – Match preview and team news

Brazil team news

Carlo Ancelotti has named a 26-player squad for the November internationals featuring Brazil’s strongest available talent. The Brazil head coach has made a significant decision to once again exclude Neymar from the squad, with the 33-year-old continuing to recover from recurring muscular injuries at Santos.

Ancelotti stated, “I haven’t talked to Neymar. We’ll see when he can recover and start playing again. I’m not taking a player that lacks intensity to play the whole World Cup, no chance. We need players that are at a top physical level.”

Despite this omission, Ancelotti has plenty of attacking firepower at his disposal. Vinícius Júnior, the 24-year-old has taken on increased responsibility in the absence of Neymar, and the Brazil boss has even hinted at potentially deploying him in a new position for this fixture. “This will be a very intense game, requiring strength and speed. African teams dominate physically — we’ll have to match that and add our quality,” Vinícius said.

Alongside Vinícius, Rodrygo and Chelsea’s teenage sensation Estêvão form part of an exciting attacking contingent. The 18-year-old Estêvão has impressed since his recent call-up, scoring twice in Brazil’s emphatic 5-0 victory over South Korea in October. Richarlison, Gabriel Martinelli, and Luiz Henrique provide additional depth in attack.

In midfield, Ancelotti has maintained confidence in experienced figures, with Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, and Lucas Paquetá forming the core. Andrey Santos, the 21-year-old Chelsea midfielder, makes the squad.

Defensively, Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães returns to a strong back line. Real Madrid’s Eder Militão might partner Gabriel at the heart of defence, with Danilo and Alex Sandro providing defensive experience at full-back. Ederson is likely to start in goal.

Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos has recovered from injury and returns to the squad after missing recent fixtures. However, Alisson and Raphinha remain sidelined with ongoing issues.

Senegal team news

Pape Thiaw continues to integrate fresh talent into his Senegal side as they prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins December 21 in Morocco. The Senegal coach has drafted in two promising prospects making their first senior call-ups: 20-year-old central defender Mamadou Sarr, on loan from Chelsea at Strasbourg, and 17-year-old winger Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain. These youngsters will gain valuable experience alongside the established core.

Captain and talisman Sadio Mané leads the charge for the Lions of Teranga. The 33-year-old Al-Nassr forward continues to provide vital leadership and experience, with coach Thiaw relying heavily on his presence to guide the youthful squad. Mané has been instrumental in Senegal’s recent success, scoring in both victories against South Sudan and Mauritania in October.

The attacking contingent also features Nicolas Jackson, who has recently joined Bayern Munich, alongside Boulaye Dia and Habib Diallo. Creative support comes from established midfield of Pape Matar Sarr, alongside the veteran presence Idrissa Gana Gueye of Everton.

Defensively, Thiaw has called upon Premier League and European experience. Kalidou Koulibaly anchors the back line, while Moussa Niakhaté of Olympique Lyonnais provides additional defensive stability. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy will start between the posts.

Midfielder Rassoul Ndiaye makes his return after an 18-month absence, with the Le Havre player earning a recall to the squad. Additionally, Assane Diao returns after missing last month’s call-up through injury.

Form

Brazil

Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure began positively with Brazil’s World Cup qualification secured following a 1-0 victory against Paraguay in June. The Seleção then impressed with a commanding 5-0 demolition of South Korea in early October, with Estêvão, Rodrygo, and Vinícius Júnior all finding the net in a display of attacking prowess.

However, Brazil suffered a shock setback in their most recent outing, succumbing to a 3-2 defeat to Japan on October 14 at Tokyo Stadium. This marked Japan’s first-ever victory against the South Americans in 14 meetings, representing a significant upset.

Senegal

Senegal have been in exceptional form under Pape Thiaw since his appointment. The Lions of Teranga won all four of their recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, defeating South Sudan 5-0 and Mauritania 4-0 in October.

Predicted lineups

Brazil: Ederson; Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel, C. Henrique; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Estevao, Paqueta, Rodrygo; Vinicius Jr

Senegal: E. Mendy; A. Mendy, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; P. Sarr, Gueye; I. Sarr, Ndiaye, Mane; Jackson

How to watch Brazil vs Senegal?

The fixture can be watched via beIN SPORTS.

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