Brazil and Argentina will face off on Thursday in by far the biggest game of match day three. Both of these teams rank in the 10 in the entire world, and they routinely represent CONMEBOL in the FIFA World Cup every four years. This is arguably the greatest soccer rivalry of all-time.

Fans couldn't ask for much more in this one.

Argentina (3)

It hasn't been a great start for Argentina, who ranks No. 3 in the world behind only Germany and Belgium. Argentina lost their opener at home against Ecuador, 2-0. Argentina allowed two late goals in the 81st and 82nd minutes to eventually lose the game. Argentina then traveled to Paraguay and left with one point in a 0-0 draw.

The top four teams of this tournament automatically qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Argentina is currently in seventh place with just one point. They need to get at least one point out of this game, especially considering it will be at home. Back to back home losses would be devastating for Gerardo Martino's squad.

This won't be easy. Not only is Argentina facing an elite Brazil team, but they will have to once again play without Lionel Messi. Messi is still sidelined with a leg injury, and his return date is not yet known. The Argentina offense looks completely lost without Messi not scoring a single goal in their first two games. To make matters worse, star forwards Sergio Agüero and Carlos Tevez are out with injuries as well. Argentina made it to the finals of the Copa America and last year's World Cup, but they have to find chemistry without the Barcelona superstar.

Sergio Romero will be starting in net for Argentina. Argentina has a good defense but not a great one. Team captain Javier Mascherano commands the middle field with Angel Di Maria, and it's critical that they have a high time of possession.

Colombia is one spot ahead of Argentina in the standings, so every Argentina soccer fan will be pulling for Chile to defeat Colombia in their matchup.

Argentina will play Colombia in their next game on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Brazil (8)

Argentina may be without Messi, but Brazil gets their superstar back. After a four match international ban because of incidents at the Copa America, Neymar will be back on the field for Brazil. It couldn't come at a better time. Neymar is absolutely on fire in Spain lighting up La Liga teams with amazing goals, and Brazil fans hope he can do the same in this game. Neymar has also been named team captain.

Brazil ranks No. 8 in the world, and they won their last game against Venezuela, 3-1. All eyes will be on Neymar, but Hulk has really come alive for Brazil this year. It's pivotal that he continues to play well to relieve some pressure off Neymar. Because Brazil lost their first game against Chile, who looks like the best team in South America, Brazil has one win and one loss giving them three points. If Argentina wins this game, they will overtake Brazil in the standings. Willian has been the leading goal scorer for Brazil so far with two goals.

Brazil's next game will be at home against Peru on Tuesday, Nov. 17

Schedule

Brazil and Argentina will square off on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. EST. The game will be played at the El Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It will be televised on beIN Sports network. You can watch a live game stream here.

Prediction

The only big advantage Argentina has is home-field advantage. Outside of that, everything points to a Brazil victory. They are getting their superstar back, Argentina's offense looks lost without Messi, and Argentina has so many injuries on offense. Don't be surprised if Argentina gets shutout again.

Brazil wins 2-0

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1