Argentina striker Sergio Agüero. (Photo : Getty Images)
Lowly team Peru (2-5-1, 7 points) will take on the challenge of tournament favorites Argentina (4-1-3, 15 points) at the Estadio Nacional in Lima on Thursday, Oct. 6 as matchday 9 of the 2018 FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifying tournament concludes.
Start Time and Streaming Info
The game starts at 9:15p.m. UTC-5. It can be viewed live Online Thru FuboTV..
Peru snapped a four-game winless spell as it nipped erstwhile tournament leaders Ecuador, 2-1, also at the National Stadium in Lima during the previous matchday on Sep. 6, ESPN reported.
A penalty kick from Sao Paulo winger Christian Cueva broke the deadlock at the minute of the match for head coach Ricardo Gareca's side, which was the team's first goal in three games.
Ecuador managed to level the count as forward Miler Bolanos assisted on defender Gabriel Achilier's shot at the 31st minute.
After starting the second half tied at 1-1, La Blanquirroja put the pressure on La Tricolor and controlled ball possession. The hosts finally scored the winner at the 78th courtesy of a goal from young midfielder Renato Tapia.
The win did not affect Peru's place in the overall standings, though, as the team remained at ninth place in the 10-team CONMEBOL table.
Meanwhile, Argentina was held to a 2-2 draw by cellar-dwelling team Venezuela also on Sep. 6 at the Estadio Metropolitano de Mérida, via Daily Mail Online.
The hosts scored the first two goals, at the 35th and 53rd minutes, courtesy of strikes from Malaga midfielder Juanpi and Torino forward Josef Martinez to stun the favorites into a 2-0 lead.
La Albiceleste, who were playing without injured team leader Lionel Messi, fought back in the second half beginning with an individual goal from Atletico Mineiro striker Lucas Pratto at the 58th. Manchester City center back Nicolas Otamendi then equalized the game with seven minutes left before full time to help Argentina salvage the draw and a share of a point in the overall standings.
Otamendi's club teammate, striker Sergio Agüero, is back from injury in this match and is expected to lead the Argentina romp. Messi continues to be sidelined by a groin injury.
Prediction and Predicted Lineup
The predicted result is a tough 2-1 win for Argentina.
Peru starting lineup (4-5-1 formation): Gallese; Corzo, Ramos, Abram, Trauco; Benavente, Cueva, Tapia, Yotun, Flores; Guerrero
Argentina starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Romero; Zabaleta, Otamendi, Funes Mori, Rojo; Kranevitter, Mascherano; Lamela, Banega, Di Maria; Agüero
