International friendlies preview: Brazil set for Argentina test

South American enemies Brazil and Argentina will clash in a widely anticipated international friendly match on Saturday.

The heated rivals will meet in the neutral surroundings of MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where a 75,000-plus crowd is expected.

The match will be the third and final of the Selecao’s North American tour that has included a 4-1 win over the United States in Washington and, most recently, a 2-0 loss to Mexico in Dallas.

AC Milan defender Thiago Silva is in doubt to face Argentina with a knee complaint, paving the way for Sao Paulo youngster Bruno Uvini to make his third appearance at international level.

Brazil coach Mano Menezes is expected to make few other changes, with Santos livewire Neymar likely to feature again up front alongside Internacional striker Leandro Damiao and Porto ace Hulk.

Argentina outclassed Ecuador 4-0 in Buenos Aires last weekend to go top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings.

Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria were all on target in the rout and are expected to feature in New Jersey.

The match will mark the second straight year Argentina have played at MetLife Stadium, following a 1-1 draw against the United States in 2011.

Brazil also have experience at the venue, having recorded a 2-0 victory over the United States two years ago.

Neymar and Sao Paulo attacking midfielder Lucas both struck as Brazil clinched a 2-0 win last time the countries met in a friendly match in September last year.

Elsewhere, Belarus will host Lithuania in Minsk on Thursday, while Bahrain will meet Kuwait in the first of two friendly games to be played in Egypt’s 6th of October City on Friday.

In Asia on Saturday, Vietnam will travel to China, with Singapore taking on Malaysia.