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South American giants Argentina and Brazil will square off in San Juan on Tuesday in a blockbuster 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The Seleccao booked their place at the Qatar showpiece following a 1-0 defeat of Colombia last week.
They've cruised through the campaign so far with a near-perfect record, winning 11 of 12 games, and accumulating 34 points from a possible 36. Argentina, meanwhile, are the only other side with an unbeaten record in the qualifiers in the CONMEBOL zone.
Trailing their arch-rivals by six points, the reigning Copa America champions can also book their post in Qatar with a victory in this match. Ahead of the mouth-watering kick-off, here's a look at how the Superclasico rivals would stack up in a hypothetical combined XI:
Goalkeeper: Ederson (Brazil)
This was arguably the most difficult position to choose from, with three world-class goalkeepers in the fray. Argentina have a new talisman, Emiliano Martinez, who has shone brightly for them lately, while Brazil have two of the world's best in Alisson and Ederson.
However, we've opted to go with the Manchester City star for his unreal consistency and the fact that Seleccao manager Tite trusts him more in the big games.
An agile, commanding and physically imposing goalkeeper who can make eye-catching reflex saves, Ederson is a reliable figure in goal. He's quick to rush off his line in moments of danger, and often functions as a sweeper-keeper.
Right-back: Danilo (Brazil)
He hasn't made a goal contribution since registering an assist on matchday one, but Danilo is still an important figure down the right for Brazil.
His penchant for driving forward and joining up attacks is crucial in creating openings in opposition defences. The Juventus full-back also has a cross or two in him.
Centre-back: Marquinhos (Brazil)
While Thiago Silva hasn't retired, the shift in power in Brazil's defence has already started, with Marquinhos turning into a real leader at the back for them.
Elegant on the ball, intelligent and an excellent reader of the game, the PSG star is among the best in the business, and carries an offensive threat from set-pieces.
Centre-back: Cristian Romero (Argentina)
Cristian Romero only made his international debut in June this year. But he hasn't looked back since then, starting in all of Argentina's qualifying games so far.
He possesses an excellent positional sense, and tracks his markers superbly, while using his tall stature to pose a threat from set-pieces.
Left-back: Alex Sandro (Brazil)
Much like Danilo, Alex Sandro's attacking output hasn't been impressive either, but he continues to make powerful runs forward and lay crosses.
The Juventus full-back has started all of Brazil's qualifying games bar one. His pace, athleticism and directness could pose a huge test of Argentina's mettle.
Right Midfielder: Giovani Lo Celso (Argentina)
Since breaking into Argentina's set-up in 2017, Giovani Lo Celso has grown into a valuable player for the side, thanks to his creativity and ball-carrying ability.
In the ongoing qualifiers, he has made five assists, the most in the squad. He will look to stretch Brazil open with his intelligent runs down the right.
Defensive Midfielder: Fabinho (Brazil)
Fabinho brings great balance to his teams while also providing an excellent protective screen for his back four. He's among the best players in his position.
Against Argentina's potent forwards, his robustness and ball-winning ability could be crucial in impeding their offensive plays.
Left Midfielder: Lucas Paqueta (Brazil)
If Neymar is the star of the Brazil side, Lucas Paqueta might just be the next big thing. That's because his influence on the squad has grown by leaps and bounds lately.
He scored the only goals in their quarter-final and semi-final wins over Chile and Peru, respectively, in Copa America 2021. Paqueta was recently on target against Colombia in the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers.
Right Winger: Angel Di Maria (Argentina)
As far as underrated players go, Argentina's Angel Di Maria ranks near the top. He's an exceptional creator, with a set-piece prowess that's second to none.
The PSG ace struck the winner against Brazil that secured Argentina the Copa America 2021 title. He recently opened his account in the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers with a goal in Argentina's 1-0 defeat of Uruguay.
He's undoubtedly a big-game player.
Striker: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi's qualifying campaign has been frankly underrated. He has struck six times for Argentina so far, most of them being either match-winners or equalisers.
Surprisingly, the PSG star is yet to register an assist. But that doesn't reflect how crucial he has been in building Argentina's offensive plays, creating chances galore.
He'll look to add to his tally of five goals against Brazil.
Left Winger: Neymar (Brazil)
The undisputed star of the ongoing qualifiers, Neymar has the highest goal-contribution of any player in the CONMEBOL zone. He has seven goals and eight assists.
Neymar has been at the heart of the Seleccao's near-perfect campaign, with his playmaking brilliance while being a direct goal-threat himself.
