Midweek Friendlies Previews: The Big Three

Argentina vs Brazil

It’s well known that this game is only going to be friendly in name.

The two arch rivals have a long history of fiercely competed matches and have such a bitter competition between themselves that this encounter will be considered just as important as any match which actually counts towards qualification or even in a cup. It will be even more important for Argentinean coach Sergio Batista, as this will be his first match since taking full control over the side.

As expected neither squad is playing what would be considered as their best starting line up, but it’s not as if this match is going to be without an impressive line up.

The big news for Brazil is the return of Ronaldinho - it’s been almost 18 months since the former "Player of the year" has featured in an international match.

It will be interesting to see how he fares on his return to the world stage and a triumphant return against Argentina would be the perfect start to a new era for the Milan star. Whilst this match is by no means an open and shut case, it would seem that Brazil have something of an edge over the Argentineans.

England vs France

Well, this match is always interesting and with both sides having a lot to prove following their disappointing World Cup campaigns, then this could get messy. This is a match which is going to be contested by the youngsters of both sides. Considering England has not beaten France since 1997 this could be a great chance to prove that the future of the England side is brighter than many people expected.

A lot of people have been calling for a complete overhaul of the England squad and there are a few new surprising selections for this squad, which could be construed as answers to that call: Sunderland’s Henderson and then there is Bothroyd, who are amongst the most interesting of Capello’s picks.

France’s changes to the side have been rather more forced than England’s, following several players mutiny at the World Cup, several senior players have received indefinite relegations from the side.

It will be hard to predict exactly how these two new look teams will fair against one another seeing as there is not much to go off to see how the teams play as a whole. Still, as a whole, it looks like France should be on the back foot and if England can take advantage of their inexperience then this match is theirs for the taking.

Portugal vs Spain

Since the sacking of Coach Carlos Queiroz, Portugal’s rather unimpressive run of form has come to an end and they have started to look like something of a more impressive side.

They are playing against the World Champions and a team which looks more than a little bit better than themselves. However, the Portuguese are unlikely to roll over and play dead and let the Spanish dread naught plough over them.

The appointment of new coach Bento makes for some interesting side stories, with his appointment being largely contested and debated by Portugal’s followers, with his credentials coming into question, although the choice of a local man has been largely agreed as a good idea.

Spain are the world champions, and in terms of history they have the edge over their rivals on the Iberian peninsula. On paper, they are a much better side, whilst not many people are expecting to see the same side who won the World Cup final play in this match, due mainly to a few second stringers expecting to get a run out.

Joe - livescoredaily.com - live scores