Prediction: Brazil vs Honduras

Verdict: Gabriel Jesus to score anytime

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Bet365

Putting together their final preparations before their Copa America campaign gets underway, Brazil will host Honduras on Sunday night.

Brazil

Starting with the hosts, while Brazil may have been disappointed to have only managed a quarter-final finish out in Russia last summer, the Yellows have refound their momentum before the Copa America gets underway next week. Despite Thursday’s 2-0 win over Qatar being overshadowed by captain and talisman Neymar limping off injured and being ruled out of their upcoming qualifiers, Tite’s men once again impressed and are unbeaten in their nine post-World Cup appearances, winning eight of those contests. Continuing to shine in the final third with a squad glittering with talent, fans around the Estádio José Pinheiro Borda will be looking for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus to carry on his eye-catching run of form. Finding the net against Qatar in midweek, the 22-year-old has three in his last two for Canarinho. With many tipping Brazil as a favirote to lift their ninth Coppa America crown, Sunday’s hosts will be boosted by their recent performances on home soil. The Yellows have not tasted defeat in front of their own supporters since a 1-0 loss against Argentina back in June 2017.

Team News

Roberto Firmino was substituted during the second half of the Champions league final, but the forward should be ready to start in attack this weekend.

Captain Neymar has been ruled out due to re-suffering an ankle injury.

Honduras

As for the visitors, while Honduras may have managed to pick up a 1-1 draw away in Paraguay on Thursday, they have struggled to find any real momentum before Fabián Coito’s men open their Gold Cup campaign against Jamaica next week. Once again failing to earn a spot at last summers World Cup finals Los Catrachos are without a win in their last three friendly appearances and a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama seven months ago is their only win since November 2017. Unsurprisingly tipped as an overwhelming underdog when they make the trip to Brazil this weekend, a huge part of Honduras’ issues over the past two years has been their continued struggles away from the Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano. Sunday’s visitors have remarkably recorded just a single victory on the road since January 2017. Sat 58 places bellow in the FIFA rankings, Honduras also hold a worrying record when up against the South American giants. Coito’s men have lost all three of their previous meetings against The Yellows, conceding eight and scoring just one in return.

Team News

Honduras boss Coito may keep changes to a minimum from the opening whistle in a bid to remain competitive during the opening 45 minutes.

Celtic’s Emilio Izaguirre should take his spot at left-back, with Houston Dynamo forward Alberth Elis being provided with a start in attack.

Key Factors to Consider

• Brazil are unbeaten in their last nine appearances, winning eight of those contests.
• Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus has three goals in his last two matches while on international duty.
• The Yellows have won all three of their previous meetings against Honduras, scoring eight and conceding just one in return.
• Honduras have not won a match on the road since June 2017.

Conclusion

While Brazil will be unable to call upon captain and striker Neymar on Sunday, the hosts still boast a squad glittering with attacking options and should be confident of keeping up their momentum. With Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus enjoying a very eye-catching run while away on international duty, we’re backing the 22-year-old to extend his tally this weekend.

Verdict: Gabriel Jesus to score anytime

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Bet365