Mix n Match: Chelsea duo the surprise picks in Spain and Brazil team

Spain against Brazil is certainly the final most wanted at the Confederations Cup and there is also a fair possibility that it could be the final at the next World Cup, although of course the likes of Germany will have something to say about that.

Both squads have an abundance of talent and picking a starting 11 if both squads were merged together is far from an easy task.

However, this has been accomplished, with Spain marginally heading the tournament hosts in the final line-up, which could suggest that the Spanish are the best bets to lift the Confederations Cup at 19/20.

In goal, Iker Casillas will not count 2013 as his best year given his limited number of appearances, but his eight consecutive clean sheets in international knock-out games shows that he is the man for the big occasion.

Barcelona provide both full-backs in Dani Alves and Jordi Alba and the strength of this pair from an attacking standpoint means they are virtually impossible to leave out.

As this team may not do much in the way of defending, players comfortable on the ball have been picked at centre half, with David Luiz partnering Sergio Ramos.

Xavi is the notable omission in midfield, with Spanish cohorts Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta picked in two of the three berths.

The added energy possessed by Javi Martinez and Paulinho made them leading contenders for the final midfield spot, but Oscar has been given the nod.

Although Brazilian, the Chelsea man is more European in his style and alongside having the technical ability to play an advanced role, Oscar the discipline to conduct his defensive work, which could be important in what is an attack-minded team.

Out wide, Jesus Navas’ pace and eagerness to run in behind will be valuable down one side, while Neymar’s urge to drift inside from the left will not only open up an attacking avenue for Alba to exploit, but provide a key source of goals too.

Leading the line is Fred, who may not have been as prolific as Fernando Torres at the Confederations Cup, but does have some attributes that will help this side.

His central positioning will provide a target for the likes of Neymar to feed off and Navas to seek when reaching the byline, while he will always be an outlet if a more direct strategy is required.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.