© Reuters

Venezuela kick off their Copa America campaign with something of a baptism of fire in the form of a match against hosts and tournament favourites Brazil on Sunday night at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia.

La Vinotinto come into this tournament on a bad run of form and with a side devoid of many standout stars, however coach Jose Peseiro is never one to spurn a challenge and will look to shock the hosts this weekend.

Against Uruguay earlier this month, Peseiro opted for a back five in order to combat La Celeste's superior attack, and the decision paid off for Venezuela with the game ending 0-0.

It is reasonably safe to assume that Peseiro will go for something similar this weekend in order to contain the likes of Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison and Roberto Firmino and could employ Nahuel Ferraresi and Mikel Villanueva alongside Jhon Chancellor at the back.

Roberto Rosales and Alexander Gonzalez will then both likely feature as wing-backs, with both prepared to bomb forward when La Vinotinto are on the counter.

Torino's Tomas Rincon is expected to be partnered by Junior Moreno in the centre of the park, while Edson Castillo and Jefferson Savarino could feature on the wings.

The attack will likely be led by Josef Martinez of Atlanta United, who is a capable finisher and has a top work rate.

Venezuela possible starting lineup: Graterol; Gonzalez, Ferraresi, Chancellor, Villanueva, Rosales; Savarino, Moreno, Rincon, Castillo; Martinez

> Click here to see how Brazil could line up for this clash

Written by
Francis Buchanan