Peru vs. Chile: The Rivalry Renewed
Preview: Peru and Chile Face Off in a Crucial World Cup Qualifier
South American rivals Peru and Chile will square off in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Thursday, October 6th.
The match will be played at the Estadio Nacional in Lima, Peru, and will have major implications for both teams' hopes of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Peru currently sits in fifth place in the CONMEBOL standings, with 17 points from 12 matches, behind Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, and Uruguay.
Meanwhile, Chile has had a disappointing qualifying campaign and is in eighth place with 16 points from 12 matches.
A win for Peru would put them in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup, while a win for Chile would keep their hopes alive, but they would need to win their remaining matches and hope other results go their way.
Team News
Peru
Peru will be without several key players for the match against Chile, including captain Paolo Guerrero, who is injured.
However, they will be boosted by the return of midfielder Christian Cueva, who has been out of action with a hamstring injury.
Other players to watch for Peru include goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, defender Carlos Zambrano, and forward Andre Carrillo.
Chile
Chile will also be without some key players for the match against Peru, including injured forward Alexis Sanchez.
However, they will be bolstered by the return of midfielder Arturo Vidal, who has been suspended for the past two matches.
Other players to watch for Chile include goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, defender Gary Medel, and forward Eduardo Vargas.
Lineups
Peru (probable lineup)
- Goalkeeper: Pedro Gallese
- Defenders: Carlos Zambrano, Alexander Callens, Luis Abram
- Midfielders: Renato Tapia, Yoshimar Yotun, Christian Cueva, Sergio Pena
- Forwards: Andre Carrillo, Gianluca Lapadula, Raul Ruidiaz
Chile (probable lineup)
- Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo
- Defenders: Mauricio Isla, Gary Medel, Guillermo Maripan, Sebastian Vegas
- Midfielders: Arturo Vidal, Charles Aranguiz, Erick Pulgar
- Forwards: Eduardo Vargas, Ben Brereton Diaz, Alexis Sanchez
Prediction
The match between Peru and Chile is expected to be a close and competitive affair.
Both teams are in need of a win, and a loss could severely damage their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
Peru has a slight edge in terms of home advantage, but Chile has more experience in big matches.
Ultimately, the match could go either way, but a narrow victory for Peru is the most likely outcome.
