Australia vs Brazil - Friendlies

The history between Australia and Brazil lends this Friendlies fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on September 29, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery's side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end.

Both Australia and Brazil will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Friendlies. The hosts will hope that the the home ground crowd can inspire a performance, whatever the numbers suggest. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. A young right-back is another position City are interested in adding in, while, in terms of outgoings, goalkeeper James Trafford is close to joining Leeds so will need to be replaced.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Australia will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Brazil must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. His all-action approach did not just suit the demands of Luis Enrique, it appeared to have a transformative effect on those around him, setting new standards in the forward line.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman M. Sabitzer, whose 3 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Carl Rushworth is set to follow Welbeck out of the exit door as he makes his move to Coventry permanent, while defender Igor Julio does not feature in Hurzeler's plans and has interest from Espanyol and other clubs in Europe.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. With positions in the Friendlies table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.