Argentina vs Peru predictions: Martinez to make the most of starting chance
- Argentina already through to knockout rounds with two wins
- Peru need to beat World Cup holders to reach quarter-finals
- Recommended bet: Lautaro Martinez to score
A draw against Peru would be enough for Argentina to win Copa America Group A and it is a game in which they have the luxury of being able to rest players.
Peru must beat La Albiceleste and hope that Chile and Canada draw if they are to make the knockout stages of the tournament.
Team news
Lionel Scaloni has stated that the squad members who did not feature in the first two games for Argentina, will play in this match.
Lautaro Martinez is also set to start, having twice come off the bench to score in this tournament, with Lionel Messi likely to be rested after suffering a hamstring tweak against Chile.
Peru have Miguel Araujo suspended after the centre-back was sent off against Canada.
The stats
Argentina have only lost once in 16 games since winning the 2022 World Cup.
Peru have not exited the Copa America at the group stage since 1995.
Argentina are unbeaten in their last 16 games against Peru and have won each of the three most recent encounters.
Prediction
It took Argentina until the 88th minute to find the net in their 1-0 win over Chile, as substitute Martinez once again came to their rescue.
The Inter Milan striker had previously come off the bench to grab the second goal against Canada, after Julian Alvarez had opened the scoring.
If there is a feeling that Argentina have yet to get out of first gear, then it may be one that continues for some time.
No team on their side of the draw looks capable of preventing Argentina reaching a second successive Copa America final.
Peru fall into that category, having suffered a defeat against Canada in which they pressed the self-destruct button after 59-minutes, when Araujo was sent off for a reckless tackle.
Against a team with a man advantage and under the searing heat of the Kansas sun, Los Incas could not hold on and lost 1-0, as Jonathan David scored the decisive goal.
This followed a 0-0 draw with Chile, which had looked like a positive result for Peru and had given them a strong chance to progress.
When these teams last met in October last year, Peru were defeated 2-0 in a home World Cup qualifier, with Messi scoring both goals for the visitors.
Though Scaloni seems set to experiment with his line-up on this occasion, the reigning Copa America champions are still likely to be too strong, with Martinez looking to make the most of his first start.
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