How Brazil could line up against Paraguay

Brazil have two fresh defensive concerns to contend with as their World Cup 2022 Qualifying campaign resumes against Paraguay on Tuesday.

While Alisson Becker survived two potential red cards in the draw with Ecuador, Emerson Royal was sent for an early bath after just 20 minutes, and Eder Militao is returning to Real Madrid after picking up a booking which has also ruled him out of contention.

The group leaders do not have any fresh injury concerns to report from their last encounter, and even though he did manage to complete the full 90 minutes against Ecuador, Alisson may cede the gloves to Ederson here.

The veteran Dani Alves can expect to feature from the first whistle at right-back with Emerson suspended, and Militao's absence will allow at least one of Marquinhos or the uncapped Gabriel Magalhaes to start in the heart of defence.

On the other hand, with Tite potentially not taking a risk over Thiago Silva's 37-year-old legs in this inconsequential battle with Brazil already through, Gabriel could earn his debut for the Selecao alongside Paris Saint-Germain skipper Marquinhos here.

Casemiro and Fred will expect to keep Newcastle United-bound Bruno Guimaraes out of the XI either way, while Philippe Coutinho ought to earn another opportunity to impress after being sacrificed for the defensively-minded Alves when Brazil went down to 10 against Ecuador.

Vinicius Junior will not want to cede his place in the final third, but Matheus Cunha and Raphinha's spots could both come under threat, with Gabriel Jesus and Antony both ready to provide fresh legs up top.

Brazil possible starting lineup: Ederson; Alves, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Sandro; Fred, Casemiro; Antony, Coutinho, Vinicius; Jesus