FIFA World Cup qualifier preview: Peru vs Brazil

Peru are scheduled to host Brazil in a FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night, which will be a repeat of the 2019 Copa America final.

Ricardo Gareca’s side beat the odds to reach the Copa America final last year, but they were comfortably beaten (3-1) by Brazil at the Maracana Stadium.

They recently started their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-2 draw against Paraguay on the road where Andre Carillo starred with a second-half brace.

Brazil, on the other hand, strolled to a 5-0 triumph over Bolivia on their home patch. Roberto Firmino bagged a brace while Philippe Coutinho and Marquinhos were also on the scoresheet.

Head-to-Head record and recent meeting:

Brazil have dominated the fixture over the years and they have been victorious in 33 of the 47 meetings. Peru, meanwhile, have won on five occasions against them with the remaining ending in stalemates.

Their most recent meeting came in the form of a friendly in September last year, where Peru picked up a surprise 1-0 win in Los Angeles, United States. Luis Abram scored the only goal with five minutes to play.

Team News:

The hosts are missing their record goalscorer in Paolo Guerrero, who is sidelined for the rest of the year with a serious knee injury. Meanwhile, Raul Ruidiaz, who has been in superb form for Seattle Sounders this term, is expected to miss the game after testing positive for COVID-19.

Alex Valera, who has yet to make his national team debut, is also out of action after contracting the virus. Defender Christian Ramos and striker Aldair Rodriguez were also sidelined with the virus, but have tested negative ahead of Tuesday’s game.

Tite’s side won’t have the services of Alisson Becker (shoulder) and Gabriel Jesus (knee), who picked up injuries respectively in training with Liverpool and Manchester City respectively.

However, they have plenty of quality to cover up for their absence. Palmeras’ Weverton is expected to feature between the sticks after doing so against Bolivia.

Everton Soares and Rodrygo shared the right wing duties during the recent World Cup qualifier. The former, who is now with Benfica, should start in the front three alongside Roberto Firmino and Neymar.

Predicted Lineups:

Peru (4-3-3): Pedro Gallese, Luis Advincula, Carlos Zambrano, Luis Abram, Miguel Trauco, Renato Tapia, Yoshimar Yotun, Pedro Aquino, Andre Carillo, Christian Cueva, Aldair Rodriguez

Brazil (4-3-3): Weverton, Danilo, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Renan Lodi, Fabinho, Casemiro, Philippe Coutinho, Everton Soares, Roberto Firmino, Neymar

Predicted Score:

Brazil should be brimming with confidence after putting five goals past Bolivia without reply. Firmino appeared back to his best after ending a three-match goalless streak while Coutinho and Neymar are in top form at the moment.

In comparison, Peru are heavily dependent on Carillo to make things happen in the final third. The absence of Guerrero and the in-form Ruidiaz will hamper their attacking display against a world-class opposition.

Peru 0-2 Brazil

Stats from Transfermarkt.com and 11vs11.com