Preview: France vs. Brazil

As hosts of next year's European Championships, there is a current lack of competitive fixtures in the offing for France.

Consequently, Thursday's meeting with five-time world champions Brazil is eagerly anticipated among those with a connection to Les Bleus.

The encounter will be played at the Stade de France, scene of French football's greatest moment back in 1998 when they toppled the Samba nation 3-0 to lift the famous World Cup trophy for the first and only time in their history.

There have been five meetings between the two sides since then, four of which have been won by the European outfit.

However, last time out in 2013, goals from Oscar, Hernanes and Lucas Moura sealed a 3-0 win for the Yellows over Didier Deschamps's men.

In terms of team selection, Deschamps will have to make do without Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, who has been sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring injury.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris will also play no part because of a knee complaint, but the likes of Patrice Evra, Antoine Griezmann and Karim Benzema are all included in the squad and could feature.

As for Dunga's visitors, they will be captained by Neymar, while Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Paulista has been selected for the first time.

France:

Form in friendlies: WDWWDW Form in all competitions: WDWWDW

Possible starting lineup: Mandanda; Evra, Varane, Koscielny, Jallet; Matuidi, Guilavogui, Sissoko, Valbuena, Griezmann; Benzema

Brazil:

Form in friendlies: WWWWWW Form in all competitions: WWWWWW

Possible starting lineup: Jefferson; Danilo, Silva, Miranda, Marcelo; Gustavo, Fernandinho; Oscar, Willian, Robinho; Neymar

Sports Mole says: 1-1