After seemingly turning a corner last month, Brazil will be hoping to build on their improvement and take a lead on the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table as they travel to Venezuela on Thursday.

Amid a brutal slump, October victories over Chile and Peru saw the Selecao rise to fourth in the qualifying standings, level with Uruguay on points and just six points clear of leaders Argentina.

They will hope to use that positive pair of results as a springboard to a bigger turnaround, starting here against a struggling Venezuelan side.

After their fantastic group stage in the Copa America, in which they defeated Ecuador, Mexico and Jamaica in succession, Venezuela is winless in the last five points and has dropped to eighth place in the qualifying standings.

The Sporting News brings you the latest team news and predicted starting lineups for both teams in this South American match.

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Lineups between Venezuela and Brazil, starting position 11 confirmed, team news

The most notable absence for La Vinotinto is the starting defenseman Jordan Osoriowho has been missing from Italian Parma since he suffered a back injury during the previous international break.

They are also without a backup goalkeeper Joel Graterolwho tore his patellar tendon in early October while playing for his club, Colombian giants America de Cali.

Venezuela has seemingly moved away from experienced veterans Josef Martinez And Roberto Rosalesas neither has received a call-up since being left out of the Copa America squad.

Venezuela starting lineup (4-2-3-1, from right to left): Romo (GK) — Aramburu, Angel, Ramirez, Navarro — Herrera, Martinez — Bello, Savarino, Murillo — Rondon

Venezuela subtitles: Farinez, Ferraresi, Makoun, Rincon, Cadiz, Segovia, Machis, Baroja, Andrade, Casseres Jr.

Injured: Osorio (back), Graterol (knee).
Suspended: No.

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Brazilian coach Dorival confirmed to his team during his pre-match press conference: Vinicius Junior will start instead of Rodrygo in the only change from the 4-0 win over Peru in October.

In addition to the continued absence of Neymarwho is still on the injured list, are the most notable names missing for Brazil Rodrygo and Real Madrid teammate Eder Militao, both of whom suffered serious injuries during their recent victory over Osasuna last weekend. Rodrygo picked up a thigh problem and will be sidelined for over a month, while Militao has torn his cruciate ligament again, meaning the defender will be sidelined for a long period.

Militao joins his fellow Brazil defender Bremer and Flamengo striker Pedro in the long term, with both having suffered the same knee injury in recent months.

The goalkeeper is also injured Alisson, who remains absent from Liverpool’s action with a hamstring tear Yan Couto was not called up because he had only just returned to action for Borussia Dortmund after a month-long muscle injury.

Brazil starting lineup (4-2-3-1, from right to left): Ederson (GK) — Vanderson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Abner — Gerson, Guimaraes — Savinho, Raphinha, Vinicius — Jesus

Brazil subtitles: Weverton, Danilo, Ortiz, Arana, Paqueta, Martinelli, Bento, Murillo, Andre, Pereira, Luiz Henrique, Estevao

Injured: Rodrygo (thigh), Militao (ACL), Neymar (hamstring), Alisson (hamstring), Bremer (ACL), Pedro (ACL), Couto (fitness).
Suspended: No.

Venezuela vs. Brazil live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier in selected areas of the world’s major regions: