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Argentina will play Brazil on Saturday (July 10) in the final of Copa America 2021 at the Maracana Stadium.
The two nations were the best teams at Copa America 2021, and deserve to be in the final. It will be an intriguing game, with two of the best footballers in the world in Argentina's Lionel Messi and Brazil's Neymar locking horns.
A lot is expected from both sides, and the pressure will be immense. Winning the tournament is not an easy matter, and the managers of both countries will be aware of the magnitude of the event.
Copa America 2021: Brazil's Predicted Starting XI for the final
Goalkeeper - Ederson Moraes (Manchester City)
Brazil manager Tite has two world-class goalkeepers to choose from in Liverpool's Alisson Becker and Manchester City's Ederson Moraes, and the latter started Brazil's Copa America 2021 semi-final game against Peru.
Ederson won the Premier League Golden Glove for the 2020-21 season, and after spending some time as Alisson's backup in the national team, is now seemingly the preferred No.1 option. The 27-year old is a modern goalkeeper and is comfortable on the ball, having barely put a foot wrong in the Copa America 2021 semi-final.
The Manchester City star is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and it will be hard for Tite to choose between him and Alisson. However, it looks likely that Ederson will don the gloves in the Copa America 2021 final.
Other options: Alisson Becker (Liverpool), Weverton (Palmeiras)
Right-back - Danilo (Juventus)
Danilo showed immense potential at Porto, and has established a good career at the top level.
The Juventus man may not be one of the best right-backs in the world, but he is a good player who can operate in both full-back positions. Danilo has represented some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Real Madrid and Manchester City, and boasts an incredible medal cabinet.
Danilo has been the first-choice right-back option at Copa America 2021, ahead of Barcelona's Emerson Royal. That looks set to continue, and the 29-year old will have to be at his very best against the likes of Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez in the Copa America 2021 final.
Centre-back - Eder Militao (Real Madrid)
One of Eder Militao or Chelsea's Thiago Silva will partner Marquinhos at centre-back in the Copa America 2021 final.
Silva enjoyed a stunning debut season with Chelsea, winning the Champions League with the Blues. However, at 36, Silva's diminishing pace might be a problem against the likes of Messi and Martinez, and Militao could very well start the game as a result.
Militao was one of Real Madrid's better performers during the second half of last season, and will be vying for a starting spot at centre-back after the departure of Sergio Ramos. The 23-year old has performed well at Copa America 2021 as well.
Centre-back - Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
Marquinhos is a nailed-on starter at centre-back for Brazil in the final of Copa America 2021.
The 27-year old is one of the best centre-backs in the world right now, and has arguably been the best defender at Copa America 2021. Marquinhos is physically gifted and good on the ball, and is thriving as one of the leaders at Paris Saint-Germain.
The former Roma man can play as a defensive midfielder as well, a position where has excelled at club level in recent seasons. For Brazil, though, Marquinhos is a centre-back.
Left-back - Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid)
Juventus left-back Alex Sandro's fitness remains a question mark, and Renan Lodi could start the Copa America 2021 final as a result.
There is no questioning Lodi's talent, but the left-back barely featured for Atletico Madrid last season. The 23-year old made just 11 starts in the league and was restricted to a bench role as Diego Simeone's men won La Liga.
Lodi has been linked with a move away from Atletico Madrid as a result, with Manchester City suggested as a potential destination. A strong showing in the Copa America 2021 final could increase interest.
Other options: Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Alex Sandro (Juventus), Emerson Royal (Barcelona), Leo Ortiz (Red Bull Bragantino)
Also Read: Copa America 2021: 5 best defenders in the tournament so far
Defensive midfielder - Casemiro (Real Madrid)
One of the best defensive midfielders in world football, Casemiro is a vital part of the Brazil national team.
The Real Madrid man has been a consistent figure in the Brazilian first XI at Copa America 2021, and he will be one of the names on the teamsheet for manager Tite ahead of the final. The 29-year old is an aggressive midfielder with strong physical attributes who excels in protecting his side's defense.
Casemiro is also useful on the other side of the pitch, with long-range shots capable of creating problems for the goalkeeper. He is a definite starter at the finals of Copa America 2021.
Central midfielder - Fred (Manchester United)
Brazil manager Tite clearly rates Fred highly, as witnessed by the midfielder starting almost every game for his country at Copa America 2021.
Fred was one of Manchester United's better performers last season, playing consistently as part of a double pivot in midfield alongside Scott McTominay. While the duo endured their fair share of criticism, Fred did bring energy and dynamism to Manchester United's midfield, and contributed defensively as well.
The 28-year old enjoyed his best campaign in the Premier League last season, after a slow start to his Manchester United career. Fred is an unique player, and is likely to start the final of Copa America 2021.
Central midfielder - Lucas Paqueta (Lyon)
Lucas Paqueta was Brazil's match-winner in the quarter-finals and semi-finals of Copa America 2021.
The Lyon star deserves to start after his crucial contributions, and will surely be given a chance by manager Tite. Paqueta is a highly creative player who shone in Ligue 1 last season, making 27 starts, scoring nine goals and providing five assists.
The 23-year old did not enjoy the best of spells with AC Milan, and it is good to see him do well at Lyon. Paqueta should start the Copa America 2021 final.
Other options: Everton Ribeiro (Flamengo), Fabinho (Liverpool), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa)
Also Read: 5 reasons why Brazil could struggle against Argentina | Copa America 2021 final
Right-wing - Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)
Roberto Firmino is not a right-winger, but should be able to play adequately in that position.
The absence of Gabriel Jesus due to suspension saw Tite field Benfica's Everton Cebolinha in the Copa America 2021 semi-final, but the forward had minimal impact. Firmino is an experienced operator who is regarded as a key figure for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, and his intelligence and technical ability could see him start in the Copa America 2021 final.
Firmino has not been at his very best in recent seasons for Liverpool, and there have been rumours that the 29-year old could be sold this summer. He was an unused substitute in the semi-final.
Centre-forward - Richarlison (Everton)
Richarlison did not enjoy a good season with Everton last time around, making 33 starts in the league, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.
The 24-year old is capable of much more, and he has been a consistent feature for Brazil at Copa America 2021. Richarlison is capable of operating as a striker or on the wings and the Everton man has been utilised in multiple positions by Tite at the tournament.
Richarlison started the Copa America 2021 semi-final as the No.9, that looks set to continue in the final as well. The forward has been linked with a move to Real Madrid recently.
Left-winger - Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)
One of the best players in world football, Neymar has been the best player at Copa America 2021 after Lionel Messi.
The forward has two goals and three assists in the tournament so far, and has impressed with his overall performances. Neymar is renowned for his world-class dribbling ability, as well as his creativity, goalscoring prowess and excellent technical skills.
The 29-year old is Brazil's talisman and the main source of inspiration in attack. If Brazil are to win the Copa America 2021, Neymar will have to be at his very best in the final.
Other options: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Everton Cebolinha (Benfica), Gabriel Barbosa (Flamengo)
Also Read: Argentina vs Brazil prediction, preview, team news and more | Copa America 2021 final
