| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
GABON  Ovono Moundounga, E. Manga, B. Apanga, Ambouroet Poko Biyogho, Moubamba, Zita, Mouloungui, Cousin, Aubameyang | BRAZIL  Neto Adriano, David Luiz, Luisao, FabioLucas Leiva, Fernandinho, HernanesWillian, Hulk, Kleber |
Mano Menezes has opted to only pick foreign-based players as the Brasileiro reaches its climax in the coming weeks. Kaka was in line for his first appearance for the Canarinha since the 2010 Fifa World Cup but had to withdraw due to injury. His Real Madrid team-mate Marcelo suffered a similar fate and will also be unavailable for the fixture. Thiago Silva will likely begin the game on the bench due to his extensive appearances in recent months. Porto's Kleber and Shakhtar Donetsk's Willian are likely to form part of the attacking line-up on their debuts.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- This will be the inaugural match at the Stade de L'Amitie. The venue will host the 2012 African Cup of Nations final in February.
- Gabon have won just three of their last nine matches, including defeats against Oman, Saudi Arabia and Senegal.
- The Panthers' results have shown signs of improvement, with victories over Niger and Equatorial Guinea as well as a draw with Guinea in their last three games.
- Gabon currently lie 63 places below Brazil in the Fifa rankings, occupying 68th position. This represents a fall from their highest position of 30th, achieved in 2009.
- In Brazil's last match on African soil they were defeated 2-1 by the Netherlands in the quarter-final of the 2010 World Cup.
- Mano Menezes could offer a total of seven debuts in Libreville. These include Copa Libertadores winner Alex Sandro, and Dudu who impressed at the recent Under 20 World Cup.
- The only players in the squad to have notched a goal for the Selecao are the defensive duo of Daniel Alves and Luisao. They have totalled eight international strikes between them.
- This is the Selecao's first fixture without Neymar since the 1-0 loss to France in Paris. In the 13 following fixtures they have only been defeated once, by Germany.
Prediction
Despite Brazil taking a weakened squad to Africa they should still have enough quality to overcome the Panthers. Brazil's defence may prove too strong for Gabon though it would not be impossible that they could steal a goal. The Selecao players need to put in a good performance if they want to hold on to a place in the squad so their could be some impressive individual performances from players such as Willian, Hulk and Hernanes.
Editor's Prediction
Gabon 0-2 Brazil 
