Argentina are closing in on a spot at the 2022 World Cup and can move even closer with a win on Thursday as the Copa America champs host Peru on Matchday 12. Argentina are in second in CONMEBOL with a 6-4-0 record and just six goals conceded in 10 games, while Peru have a lot of work to do in order to make it to back-to-back cups. The Peruvians are in seventh place with a 3-2-6 record and enter the day four points behind fifth place, which earns a spot to the intercontinental playoffs.
Here’s are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
Date: Thursday, Oct. 14 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Estadio Monumental — Buenos Aires, Argentina
TV and live stream: fuboTV (Try now)
Odds: Argentina -450; Draw +450; Peru +1200 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Argentina: No goals conceded in their last four, this Argentina team is legit. They’ve scored at least three goals in three of their last four, and with Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez leading the front line, they’ll be expected to score multiple once again. The 3-0 win over Uruguay on Saturday showed just how dominant they can be against a top opponent, recording 23 shots and 10 on goal against their neighbors. If they can be decisive in their passing in the final third, the three points will be theirs.
Peru: With two wins in their last four games, Peru have a bit more momentum but could use a point here to really boost their chances after that tough 1-0 loss at Bolivia. The issue has been finding consistency in front of goal as they have failed to score in two of their last four. The defense has only conceded three times in the last four games, but keeping this red-hot Argentina team out might be nearly impossible. Expect them to sit in a low black and look to weather a storm of chances. They got the draw at Argentina leading up to the previous World Cup, and they will be confident in doing it again if the defense shows up.
Prediction
Messi goes the full 90 minutes again, scores a goal and gets an assist as Argentina move to the brink of qualification. Pick: Argentina 3, Peru 0
