World Cup champions Brazil are preparing to face bitter rivals Argentina in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday.

A victory for Brazil would see them climb into, what they believe is their rightful position, first place.

Brazil, who have drawn their last three games and sit third in the 10-team group, will be without the injured Ronaldinho but are still favourites to beat their injury-plagued opponents.

Argentina have taken 11 points from five matches and not many people are doubting that they will qualify for Germany 2006.

Uruguay and Bolivia as will be debuting new managers in their respective matches this week.

Jorge Fossati takes charge when Uruguay hosts Peru in Montevideo on Tuesday while veteran Ramiro Blacut begins a third stint with Bolivia in their game at home to Paraguay the same day.

In other matches, Venezuela, who are level on nine points with Brazil, attempt to continue their fine recent run at home to Chile on Tuesday while fellow strugglers Ecuador and Colombia are hampered by injuries and suspensions for Wednesday's match in Quito.