Fernandinho joins battle of the Blues in last eight showdown

IT will be a clash of the Blues when Brazil meet Belgium in the last eight today.

Fernandinho has been drafted into the Brazil side, setting up a direct battle with his City teammate Kevin de Bruyne in the middle of the park.

And Gabriel Jesus is also set to start, with his club skipper Vincent Kompany likely to be facing him in the heart of the Belgian defence.

City keeper Ederson is set to remain on the bench for Brazil, but when you add in United’s Marouane Fellaini and Romelu Lukaku to the mix, there is a real Manc feel to the clash in Kazan.

Fernandinho, such a key player for the Blues, has yet to start a game in Russia, but will replace Casemiro - who misses out through suspension - and is more than likely to be joined in the starting XI by Jesus, despite the fact the forward has yet to score in the finals.

Brazil coach Tite has also confirmed Real Madrid full-back Marcelo will return to the side.

Marcelo was forced off early in Brazil’s final group game as they beat Serbia to assure themselves of top spot in Group E, before the same back problem cost him a place in the team that beat Mexico 2-0.

A soft mattress at the team hotel has been blamed for aggravating the issue, but Tite revealed the 30-year-old will replace Felipe Luis against Belgium.

“I talked to Marcelo and Filipe Luis,” said Tite.

“Marcelo left (against Serbia) because of a clinical problem and he has not been back because of a physical problem, he only had 45 to 60 minutes. Filipe Luis played very well in those matches but Marcelo is coming back.”