Brazil to field all star side

Despite a few injury concerns Brazil will field an all star side and have said they'll not be taking the Socceroos lightly in their international this weekend.

The Socceroos were given a boost of sorts during the week with news Brazilian stars Fred (thigh), Hulk (hamstring) and Daniel Alves (knee) have all been ruled out of this weekend-s international through injury. Despite this the Confederations Cup champions and World Cup hosts will still field a formidable line-up for the match at the Mane Garrincha stadium in Brasilia 5.00 am Sunday morning (AEST time). We run our thumb over who the Socceroos will likely find themselves coming up against.

Goalkeeper Julio Cesar: The Socceroos have only scored three goals in their eight clashes against Brazil and will no doubt find it hard to get one past 186 cm Cesar. The Brazil number one was linked with a move away from Queens Park Rangers in the European summer but this never materialised. Cesar will come under pressure to hold his place in the starting XI from Jefferson having fallen behind Robert Green in the pecking order at Rangers this term.

Centre back David Luiz: The flamboyant Chelsea defender was also linked with a move in the transfer window with Spanish giants Barcelona launching a bid for the 26-year-old. Luiz is yet to make a league start for the Blues this term, having picked up an injury in pre-season. He will be desperate to impress upon Manager Jose Mourinho that he deserves a start in a Chelsea backline that has only conceded one goal through the opening three games of the English Premier League season.

Centre back Thiago Silva: The Brazil captain has recently extended his contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2018. Silva had moved from AC Milan in a record deal for a defender to the Ligue 1 club. He has started every league match so far this season, although PSG find themselves a little off the pace in the start to the new campaign. The right-footed defender was immense in helping Brazil claim the Confederations Cup two months ago.

Right back Maicon: The veteran defender has played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe throughout his career and is a likely replacement for the injured Dani Alves. Maicon has played for the likes of Monaco, Inter Milan, Manchester City and most recently signed with Roma in Italy-s Serie A. He has already notched a goal for his new club from just two appearances and will be one the Socceroos will have to shut down early when he gets forward.

Left back Marcelo: The Real Madrid star has become one of the preferred choices of Brazil Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, with his technical ability and fierce shot endearing him to the style of play of the national team. Marcelo scored on his national debut against Wales back in 2006 and started all five games of Brazil-s successful Confederations Cup campaign.

Centre midfield Paulinho: The defensive midfielder broke Tottenham Hotspurs transfer record when he signed for the London club from Corinthians during the transfer window for approximately $30 million. However this fee was subsequently broken by teammate Roberto Soldado. Paulinho debuted in Spurs opening match of the season and was named man of the match against Crystal Palace. The 25-year-old has 19 caps for his country in which he has scored five goals.

Centre midfield Ramires: The Chelsea hardman is a likely inclusion for the Seleção to bolster their midfield attacking options. The 26-year-old will be keen to put in a strong performance having been sent-off in the Super Cup final against Bayern Munich, which the Blues eventually lost on penalties. Ramires is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder with a high work rate and exceptional turn of pace. He is also a ferocious tackler, which the Socceroos will have to be careful of.

Winger Oscar: The diminutive winger has lit up the Premier League since he signed for Chelsea from Inter last season. The talented 21-year-old has already earned 24 caps for his country and was part of the side that earned a silver medal at the London Olympics, having gone down to Mexico in the gold medal match. Oscar began his career at Sao Paulo, where he won the Brazilian Serie A in 2008. He also played in every match for Brazil at the Confederations Cup.

Winger Luiz Gustavo: The 26-year-old is a relative new face amongst the Brazil squad, having made his national debut two years ago when he came on as a second half substitute in a friendly match against Germany. The tall No.17 has spent the majority of his club career in Germany having played with Hoffenheim, Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg. He was a late substitute in Bayern Munich-s Champions League final triumph.

Striker Jo: With Fred being ruled out from this weekend-s clash at the Mane Garrincha stadium with a thigh injury, Jo is one of the attacking options that could be drafted in. Jo has been quite the journeyman throughout his career and is currently back home playing for Atlético Mineiro. He was a late addition to the Brazil squad for their triumphant Confederations Cup campaign. He scored his first international goal in the opening match which was a 3-0 win over Japan.

Striker Neymar: Without doubt the player everyone is waiting to see and who will strike fear into the Socceroos defence will be Brazil-s 21-year-old sensation Neymar. The prodigious striker made a record move to Barcelona from Brazilian club Santos in the European summer and will no doubt form a lethal partnership with Lionel Messi. Neymar has already notched 25 goals for his country including one in the Confederations Cup final which sent home fans into hysterics.

The Socceroos will play 2014 FIFA World Cup hosts and five-time FIFA World Cup winners Brazil at Brasilia-s Estadio Nacional Mané Garrincha on Saturday 7 September.