Argentina vs Peru Prediction & Betting Tips (20 November)

Argentina, champion of the last World Cup and Copa América, continues to stand out among the best teams in the world, although its last continental title was not obtained with great domination. Currently leading its qualifiers for the World Cup, Argentina experienced a slight slump during the last two international windows, with a draw against Venezuela 1-1 and a defeat against Colombia 2-1 . However, the team quickly turned things around with clear victories against Chile 3-0 and Bolivia 6-0, confirming their strength in these qualifiers. The demons have resurfaced, since the lead at the top was slightly reduced following the defeat against Paraguay last week 2-1. Peru has been going through a difficult period since its participation in the 2018 World Cup, with a series of failures. During the last Copa América, he was eliminated in the first round, and the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are hardly more reassuring.

The team is in 9th place in the standings with only 7 points after 11 matches. In September, the Peruvians drew Colombia 1-1 before losing to Ecuador 1-0 . However, they finally managed a victory in October against Uruguay 1-0, before suffering a heavy defeat against Brazil 4-0. Their last match ended in a goalless draw against Chile a few days ago. 

Argentina has a very solid squad in all positions. As a goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), despite his controversial popularity, remains efficient. In defense, players like Romero (Tottenham) and vice-captain Otamendi (Benfica) started against Paraguay. In midfield, MacAllister (Liverpool) shines alongside Fernandez (Chelsea), Paredes (Roma) and De Paul (Atlético). In attack, Lionel Messi , with 112 goals in 190 caps, remains an essential star. The Martinez / Alvarez duo takes turns at the forefront, with Martinez having scored the only Argentinian goal in the last match. On the other hand, key players like Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), German Pezzella (River Plate), Dybala (Roma) , Marcos Acuna (River Plate) and Nico Gonzalez (Juventus) are injured and out.

Peru enters this meeting without several key players: defender Marcos Lopez (Copenhagen, 41 sel), midfielders Renato Tapia (Leganes, 87 sel, 5 goals) and Christian Cueva (100 sel, 16 goals), as well as striker André Carrillo (Corinthians, 100 sels, 11 goals), all injured or sidelined. Goalkeeper Gallese (113 sels), defender Zambrano (79 sels) and striker Bryan Reyna (2 goals in 15 sels), absent during the match against Chile, are back. Several executives are however present, such as the veteran Advincula (Boca Juniors, 123 sel), the midfielders Peña (Malmö, 46 sel) and Cartagena (Orlando City, 39 sel), as well as the attackers Flores (Atlas, 16 goals in 79 sel). ) and Lapadula (Cagliari, 39 sel, 9 goals). Finally, the legend Paolo Guerrero (123 caps, 39 goals) is still present, despite his 40 years.