Argentina v Peru Betting Tips, Preview And Predictions

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Argentina v Peru Betting Tips

Argentina are set to play a potential make-or-break contest with Peru in the early hours of Thursday morning which could decide their fate in automatic World Cup qualification.

The last time Jorge Sampaoli’s side played at Estadio Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires, they were priced as short as short as 1/12 with some bookmakers in their absurdly disconcerting 1-1 draw with Venezuela. Following that result, Venezuela remain rock bottom in South America’s qualifying group while Argentina are in fifth place.

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Their opponents on Thursday are Peru, who are currently sitting fourth place through scoring more goals than their opponents. Ricardo Gareca’s side have had an impressive campaign which see’s them sitting above both Copa America giants Argentina and Chile at the time of writing.

The Peruvians haven’t qualified for a FIFA World Cup since way back in 1982, so the 35 year wait could both amp up the pressure and build belief and confidence among the ranks.

Argentina had been largely disappointing for far too long under Edgardo Bauza who was relieved of his duties back in April. Since losing that job, Bauza moved onto manage the United Arab Emirates before becoming the latest permanent Saudi Arabia manager last month.

His replacement Jorge Sampaoli arrived with a strong reputation from successful spells with Universidad de Chile, the Chile national team and Sevilla and his side have a record of two wins and two draws since his appointment.

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Argentina know how crucial that draw against Venezuela could be and everybody involved will know that nothing but a win will put their destiny in their own hands.

The hosts have had a real problem finding the net in qualifying, despite possessing some of the world’s finest attackers in Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, Sergio Aguero and Mauro Icardi. They’ve only scored nine times in eight home matches so far, which is the lowest tally across the whole of the South American sides.

Argentina have picked up 14 of their 24 points in home comforts, while the visitors have taken 10 from a possible 24 on the road.

This match has the potential to be very open as Argentina push for goals. Peru have seen the third most goals conceded in qualifying as well as scoring the third most. Naturally, we are anticipating both teams to score in this one at 1/1 with William Hill as our main selection.

With Sampaoli’s Argentina in desperate need of three points, we are also expecting the world’s most coveted player Lionel Messi to make a huge impact on the outcome. Argentina have won the majority of their points at home and we think they can take three huge points here. Back Argentina to win and both teams to score at 9/5 with William Hill.

Argentina have only won two of their eight qualifying matches by two goals or more while Peru have only lost twice by two goals or more. With Sampaoli’s side not quite clicking to their potential in attack, we see value in Peru on the +2 handicap at 11/10 with William Hill. This bet will only lose if Peru lose by two goals or more.