Argentina vs Peru: Hosts look to maintain unbeaten start in WC qualifiers

Topics: TV Schedules, TV Listings, Argentina, Peru, CONMEBOL, 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Currently in second and six points behind conference leaders Brazil, Argentina will look to pick up maximum points when they host struggling Peru on Thursday, October 14th.

Preview: Argentina vs Peru

Argentina will be looking to maintain their strong form so far in CONMEBOL's 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as they prepare to welcome Peru on Thursday evening. La Albiceleste presently sit six points behind table leaders Brazil, albeit both teams have a game in hand after their highly anticipated clash ended up being called off due to some issues with COVID-19.

The hosts come into this match having cruised to 3-0 win over Uruguay last time out, with Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Rodrigo de Paul all getting on the scoresheet. It was also a good day for Messi, as the former Barcelona superstar, who is now playing his club football for PSG, now has scored 80 international goals. That's more than any other player from South America has achieved in footballing history.

Although they are six points behind Brazil, the world's most successful team in terms of World Cups won ended up dropping points in their last game during a scoreless draw with Colombia. That means that a win for Lionel Scaloni's men, coupled with any negative result for Brazil in their own upcoming tie with Uruguay, could really see that once wide gap narrowed. Regardless of what happens, Argentina look pretty much set to book their ticket to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but they'll have their eyes on their impressive home streak as they take on Peru.

Indeed, Argentina, who ended their long wait for a Copa America title this past summer, come into this contest unbeaten in their last 24 games across all comps. In addition, La Albiceleste haven't lost at home in five years, and they will definitely not want to see that run end anytime soon.

Meanwhile, Peru did beat Chile 2-0 but saw any gains erased following their 1-0 loss to a Bolivia side who had played much of that match with ten men. Overall, Peru have lost six of their last 11 World Cup qualifying games and have won just two of their past seven ties across all comps.

Team news: Argentina vs Peru

Argentina: Marcos Acuna likely will miss this game after a recent injury, while Joaquin Correra may be in doubt due to a knock.

Peru: The visitors will have to make do without Renato Tapia, Edison Flores and Paolo Guerrero due to injuries, but will be able to welcome back Miguel Trauco after his suspension.