Preview: Argentina hoping to get the job done without Lionel Messi
Argentina will be without their talismanic captain Lionel Messi who was initially named in Alejandro Sabella's preliminary squad for the final two qualification games, but given the fact that Argentina already have confirmed their qualification, the star forward was released from the squad to allow him to recover from his thigh injury.
His club teammate Javier Mascherano who has missed out on Barcelona’s last three games with a hamstring injury has also been omitted from the squad. Meanwhile Napoli’s summer acquisition Gonzalo Higuain who missed out on his club’s last two matches against Arsenal and Livorno will also sit out of the tie with a calf injury.
Luckily for Sabella, he has a plethora of attacking talent at his disposal which will be more than enough to terrorise a struggling Peru defence.
Manchester City forward Sergio Agüero is likely to lead the attack in the absence of Messi and given his form as of late, the 25 year old is a worthy replacement. After a disappointing run last season the former Atlético Madrid man seems to be returning to his best and has scored four goals in the league for the Citizens.
He will be accompanied in attack by two of the most accomplished wingers in the world in the form of Angel Di Maria and Ezequiel Lavezzi, needless to say the Peru defence will have a herculean task at hand to contain the formidable trio.
Internazionale striker Mauro Icardi earned his first call-up to the national side after a string of fine displays for his club. The 20 year old will be hoping to make his debut as the two sides clash at the Estadio Monumental.
Argentina are currently at the top of the CONMEBOL table having notched up 29 points from 14 games and lead Colombia by three points who would be looking to pounce at Argentina’s top berth should Sabella’s side drop any points.
Argentina however have nothing to fear having already confirmed their place in the World Cup 2014 with a 5-2 mauling of Paraguay last month courtesy of two penalties from Lionel Messi and goal apiece from Sergio Aguero, Di Maria and Maxi Rodriguez.
In the same month Peru ended their hopes of qualifying for the illustrious tournament for the first time since 1982 when they lost to Uruguay and Venezuela in successive matches.
Sergio Markarián’s men have grabbed 14 points in as many games, which implies that it would be impossible for them to beat Uruguay for the fifth place and earn an intercontinental play-off with Jordan.
Last time the two sides met, Peru put up a valiant display to hold the South American giants to a 1-1 draw. This time around Peru have nothing but their pride to play for and will be hoping to make life as difficult for Argentina who will be without three of their first team starters for Friday’s encounter.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, Live scores
Watch Argentina vs Peru live on Friday, October 11, 2013:
In USA at 19:00 ET on beIN Sport USA, beIN Sport Play, beIN Sport en Español
Fans in other parts of the world can watch the match live on their local channels. Those in Argentina can watch the match live on Canal 7 TV Publica.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Argentina vs Peru match page.
