Defending champions Brazil start their 2011 Copa America campaign with what should be an easy game against Venezuela, but the Selecao cannot afford to take this game lightly after seeing Argentina salvage a draw against minnows Bolivia.

Coach Mano Menezes has rejuvenated the squad following the disappointing showing at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the coach is slowly building the team for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Nonetheless, with young stars like Neymar, Pato and Ganso joining more experienced Dani Alves, Robinho and Ramires, the Selecao again look like one of the main favourites for the title.

Mano Menezes’ side are expected to have an easy job against weak Venezuela and the odds of 1.18 (2/11) offered by Paddy Power on home win reflect this.

To the delight of Brazil fans, Mano Menezes is set to field one of the most attacking sides in the history of the national team with Selecao expected to line up in 4-2-1-3 formation.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-1-3): Julio Cesar – Dani Alves, Lucio, Thiago Silva, Andre Santos – Ramires, Lucas Leiva – Ganso – Robinho, Pato, Neymar.

Venezuela have long been on the outskirts of South American football, but the team have started to show some promise during the last few years.

After reaching the quarter-finals as tournament hosts at the last edition of the Copa America, Venezuela continued their rise, although they were not even close to qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

The Vinotinto now boast a very talented squad with youngsters Rondon, Rincon, Rosales and Orozco leading the way, so odds of 5.00 (4/1) offered by 888Sport on Venezuela not to lose could be worth a shot.

Cesar Farias’ side will line up in 4-3-3 formation, with Rondon, Maldonado and Arango looking to explore Brazil’s weaknesses on the break.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Vega – Rosales, Perozo, Lucena, Cichero – Seijas, Rincon, Orozco – Maldonado, Rondon, Arango.