DOHA, Nov 28 — Manchester United midfielder Fred replaces injured captain Neymar in one of two changes to the Brazil team for their second World Cup Group G outing against Switzerland at Doha’s Stadium 974 today.
Neymar is sidelined with a sprained ankle suffered in Brazil’s opening 2-0 win over Serbia last Thursday, while right-back Danilo is also ruled out with an ankle injury.
Danilo’s place in the side is taken by Real Madrid’s Eder Militao, who is more often used as a centre-back but is preferred by coach Tite to the 39-year-old Dani Alves in the right-back role.
Fred’s introduction to the team means Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United will play in a more advanced role in support of Richarlison, who scored both goals against Serbia.
The only change to the Swiss team that beat Cameroon 1-0 in their opening game in Qatar sees Young Boys midfielder Fabian Rieder come in for just his second cap with Xherdan Shaqiri making way.
The former Liverpool player is struggling with a thigh problem, according to Swiss media reports.
Whoever wins will secure qualification for the last 16 with a group game to spare after Cameroon and Serbia drew 3-3 earlier.
Starting line-ups:
Brazil (4-2-3-1)
Alisson Becker; Eder Militao, Thiago Silva (capt), Marquinhos, Alex Sandro; Fred, Casemiro; Raphinha, Lucas Paqueta, Vinicius Junior; Richarlison
Coach: Tite (BRA)
Switzerland (4-3-1-2)
Yann Sommer; Silvan Widmer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Fabian Rieder, Remo Freuler, Granit Xhaka (capt); Djibril Sow; Ruben Vargas, Breel Embolo
Coach: Murat Yakin (SUI)
Referee: Ivan Barton (ESA) — AFP