Lucas Paqueta to start for Brazil as West Ham United ace starts ahead of Premier League rival
West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta is in line to start for Brazil against Chile on Friday 11 October, according to GE Globo.
The Brazilian outlet reported via their website that the 27-year-old will keep his place in the starting lineup after featuring in the side’s 1-0 loss to Paraguay on 11 September.
However, Brazil head coach Dorival Junior is changing things up a bit, with Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes set to be dropped to the bench for the game that kicks off at 1:00am BST.
“Bruno is a very important player,” Junior was quoted as saying by GE Globo on Wednesday (9 October).
“His omission doesn’t mean he loses his importance, he knows that.
“It’s just an attempt to find a different midfield, with a player who is more accustomed to getting closer [to the box], as is the case with Paqueta.”
Can West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta fire Brazil to a win?
Paqueta has had a tough week so far as he was hit with two new charges in his betting case on Tuesday (8 October).
Although the midfielder has maintained that he is innocent, the ongoing investigation will prove to be a source of frustration for him.
Nevertheless, Paqueta will look to put that behind him when he takes to the field for Brazil against Chile this week.
The South American side have notably struggled under Junior, who was confirmed as their head coach in January.
Junior began his stint with a 1-0 victory over England, but has only managed three wins from nine games since.
The coach is, therefore, under significant pressure and will be hoping that the likes of Paqueta are firing on all cylinders against Chile.
The West Ham star played an important role in Brazil’s last win, providing the assist for Rodrygo’s sole goal against Ecuador on 7 September.
In other West Ham news, Ban Bardell reckons Julen Lopetegui is wasting Mohammed Kudus.
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