Team News
Sergio Markarian, the Uruguayan coach of Peru, faces a difficult task to build a strong side to take on Colombia, because no less than six of his regular starters will miss the game, including key players Claudio Pizarro and Juan Vargas. Another important player that is in doubt for the clash is Schalke 04 striker Jefferson Farfan. Due to the number of absences, Markarian will likely provide Raul Ruidiaz with the opportunity to partner Paolo Guerrero in Peru's attack. Peru's other injured players are Carlos Zambrano, Alberto Rodriguez, Raul Fernandez and Rinaldo Cruzado.
Meanwhile, former Argentina boss Jose Pekerman will make his official Colombia debut with a close to full-strength side. It seemed that Atletico Madrid star Radamel Falcao Garcia would miss the game due to muscular fatigue, but he has made a speedy recovery and will either partner Atletico Nacional's Dorlan Pabon or Jaguares' Jackson Martinez in the Colombian attack. While Camilo Zuniga and Pablo Armero will occupy the flanks, Pekerman is still undecided as whether he will choose Aquivaldo Mosquera, Mario Yepes or Luis Amaranto Perea in defence.
Probable Starting Line-ups
Peru: Penny, Revoredo, Acasiete, Ramos, Yotun, Lobaton, Gonzales, Ramirez, Carrillo, Ruidiaz and Guerrero.
Colombia: Ospina, Zuniga, Armero, Yepes, Cuadrado, Ramirez, Guarin, Sanchez, Rodriguez, Pabon and Falcao.
Form
Despite the fact that Colombia count with an abundance of talent in their squad they have started off the South American World Cup qualifiers in sluggish form, and their 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the previous round of matches led to the dismissal of Leonel Alvarez. But since the appointment of Pekerman there is much hope that Colombia could possibly qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998. He commenced his reign on the right note, with convincing victories over Mexico and Guyana in friendlies, but his first real assignment will be against Peru in Lima. Rivals Peru have also been in disappointing form in the qualifiers, with only three points from three games, and have only won one out of four friendlies since then, with a 1-0 victory over Nigeria last week.
Players to Look out for
Guerrero: With Pizarro and Vargas sidelined and Farfan possibly out as well, Guerrero will be called upon for Peru's inspiration. The striker was his team's most important asset in last year's Copa America and will be expected to lead the way.
Falcao: "El Tigre" has become one of the deadliest strikers in the world, and the fact that he has recovered from injury just in time will be a major boost for the Colombians. His aerial ability and quick feet could decide the game in favour of the visitors.
Prediction
Both teams come into the contest having suffered defeats in their last qualifying games, and due to this will be desperate to rack up three points. As hosts, Peru will be roared forward by their fans, but the fact that they are missing several of their key players will likely lead to their downfall, particularly because they are up against a solid Colombia side who contain loads of talent in every sector of the field. Expect a hotly-contested clash which could possibly end in an entertaining draw.
The Verdict
