Antony set to get chance to start for Brazil
Brazil coach Tite looks poised to hand Manchester United winger Antony his first start at a World Cup finals.
The exciting wide man has recovered from the injury that kept him out of our matches in the build-up to the tournament, but has also battled illness in Qatar, yet he is tipped to be in the XI for the Group G clash with Cameroon, after coming off the bench during the wins over Serbia and Switzerland.
As the South Americans have already qualified for the round of 16, Tite is ready to ring the changes for Friday night's 19:00 GMT kick-off.
"Tite had already told us after the game against Switzerland that he intended to make changes in the line-up,” Liverpool midfielder Fabinho revealed. “He said he wanted everyone to play and we are happy with that decision.”
Alex Telles is also likely to start, at left-back, with Alex Sandro and Danilo carrying injuries. The defender is currently on loan from United to Sevilla, and was brought on during the 1-0 victory over the Swiss, when United favourite Casemiro bagged a superb winner with a clever snap-shot.
Antony feels ready to make his mark on the tournament and will, no doubt, view this as the perfect platform to showcase his skills.
"It was a bit difficult," he told journalists about picking up a bug. "I ended up having a bad feeling there for a few days that complicated me a bit.
"I’m recovering well and getting 100 per cent. It was more of a sickness, [the] throat. It was the air conditioning [in the stadiums].
"Not only me, but other players also had a cough and a bad throat. It’s very difficult for me to get sick, but I’m happy to be an important part of the team. Whenever you need Antony, I’m available."
Newspaper reports claim eight of the slots the XI have been decided, with Ederson replacing Alisson in goal, while Dani Alves, Fabinho and Gabriel Martinelli should all feature.
Fred is contesting a place with Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United but may have to settle for a place on the bench, after being booked against Switzerland.
Richarlison and Vinicius are due to be rested, with Neymar still sidelined due to injury.
Cameroon need to win the game to have any chance of qualifying, while Brazil require only a point to seal top spot.