How will Brazil line up at the World Cup, and how should they?

Brazil are among the World Cup favorites after humiliation in 2014. Here’s how they should line up for their opener against Switzerland.

They would never admit it, but perhaps Brazil’s 7-1 embarrassment against Germany in 2014 was a blessing in disguise. Since then, managers Dunga and Luiz Felipe Scolari have left, and Tite has transformed the team, reinvigorating the squad and rebuilding their confidence.

Neymar is fit, Gabriel Jesus is the new number 9 and the midfield has a depth and variety it lacked four years ago. This team should top a tricky Group E, but with so many elite options throughout the team, how should they line up for their opener against Switzerland?

Coutinho the midfielder or Coutinho the winger?

Philippe Coutinho can and has played in both midfield and attack in a 4-3-3. He’s been a winger and a deeper midfielder for Liverpool and Barcelona this season, and carries that versatility into the Brazil squad. That being said, it’s hard to figure out which position suits him better.

Playing as a midfielder, Coutinho can pick up the ball with space to run forward. From there, he can dribble past his markers and create chances, or shoot from distance. He can also pick up the ball from deep to start counter-attacks, something Brazil are great at with their pace in attack.

If Coutinho plays in midfield, that’ll most likely be Willian starts out wide in the front three.  Coutinho will have protection alongside him in the form of Casemiro, while Paulinho will be tasked with pressing without the ball and making late runs into the box when Brazil attack.

Youth or experience in defense?

Thiago Silva is the undisputed leader of Brazil’s defense. At 33, he knows this will be his last chance at lifting the famous trophy, so every bit of his experience will come in handy. The same goes for Miranda, who’s also 33. The two have meshed well together in the friendlies leading up to the World Cup.

This squad would’ve been even older had Dani Alves not succumbed to injury before the tournament. That leaves Danilo at right-back, Marcelo at left-back and Filipe Luis proving cover. It’s a back line rich with veteran leadership, something that always comes good in these tournaments.

Should something go wrong, there are also some young players ready to step in. Marquinhos played well at Paris Saint-Germain this season and is quicker than his older teammates. Look for him to start a group game; he’s one to watch this summer with clubs possibly coming in for his signature. Fagner Lemos is another, and while he just turned 29, he’s a rookie compared to his teammates in defense and will most likely come off the bench.

Overall, it’s a squad ready to put the horrors of 2014 behind them. Well-balanced and dangerous all over the pitch, Brazil will excite this summer. Whether they win their sixth World Cup will depend on Neymar, Jesus and an accomplished back line.