Argentina v Brazil predictions: Albiceleste have edge in Copa final

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Argentina v Brazil in the Copa America final.

Where to watch

BBC red button, 1am Sunday

Best bet

Argentina to lift the trophy
1pt 13-8 Betfred

Team news

Argentina
No fresh injuries are reported.

Brazil
Gabriel Jesus is suspended and injured defender Filipe Luis had to withdraw from the squad.

Match preview

Brazil talisman Neymar insisted earlier this week that he wanted Argentina to reach the 2021 Copa America final but he may come to regret his words because the Albiceleste look decent value to topple the Samba Stars at the Maracana.

Neymar made his feelings known after featuring in Brazil's 1-0 semi-final success over Peru by revealing that he was rooting for Argentina to defeat Colombia in their last four clash.

And he got his wish thanks to Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who saved three Colombian penalties in the shootout after the match had finished 1-1.

Neymar had two main reasons for cheering on Argentina. He said: "I have friends there, and in the final Brazil will win."

But his confidence may have been misplaced because Argentina are a tough, talented side on a 19-match unbeaten sequence which included a 1-0 friendly victory over Brazil in Riyadh in November 2019.

Lionel Messi scored on that occasion and looks the most likely matchwinner this weekend as he seeks to add to his four-goal tournament tally.

He netted three of those goals in the last three games and came up with the assist for Lautaro Martinez's seventh minute goal in the contest with Colombia.

The 34-year-old's future may be up in the air now his Barcelona deal is up but he wants to show potential suitors that he remains a powerful force and the Copa America final provides the perfect platform.

Brazil are the tournament's top scorers with 12 goals but they had a fairly comfortable ride with the draw and may struggle to handle Argentina, who will pose them their toughest test and can finally provide Messi with his first senior international trophy.

Key stat

Argentina are unbeaten in their last 19 matches

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