Peru – Argentina : Preview & Prediction
Things have gone from bad to worse so far in this CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying cycle for Peru, which has yet to convert a goal (E1, P2). That dreadful trio of matches culminated in a 2-0 loss to Chile last week, though they’ll be hoping to end that streak here, especially since Peru has never gone four consecutive knockout games without scoring in its entire history.
That will be far from simple, however, as coach Juan Reynoso has managed just one win in his last seven matches (E2, P4), although this could be a chance to bounce back knowing that Peru’s home form in the qualifiers is at its best (G4, E2, P1). That only loss came against the brilliant Brazil team, and now they face another titanic task against none other than the reigning world champions, Argentina.
Visiting coach Lionel Scaloni was boosted by the return of Lionel Messi from the bench last match as his team continued its march towards qualification with a third straight win in the knockout rounds without conceding a goal. Keeping a fourth consecutive clean sheet is not out of the question either, as one only has to look to 2021 to find a run of six successive clean sheets for the Albiceleste.
In truth, Argentina should have more than enough quality to continue the impressive run that has seen them win 13 consecutive matches, a sequence that includes their historic World Cup final victory over France. Not only that, but Argentina boasts a tremendous away knockout record, with no away defeats at this level since March 2017 (G7, E4 since).
Players to watch: No Peruvian player has scored an official international goal since Yoshimar Yotún in March 2022, though the 33-year-old has contributed two goals (one goal, one assist) in his last two appearances at club level. Looking to surpass him will be Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez, who scored his nation’s first goal in his second game in the last international break, although he has more recently been cautioned in back-to-back appearances for club and country.
Key stat: Peru has drawn three of its last four home games against Argentina in the qualifiers, twice coming from behind to do so (E3, P1).
Peru – Argentina : Betting Tips
Argentina – Win Odds: 1.35
