Argentina, who are listed at -195, will aim to extend its winning streak to eight games when it takes on Peru at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami this weekend. La Albiceleste lead their Copa America group after beating Canada 2-0 and Chile 1-0. They have already clinched a place in the quarterfinals, and they just need to avoid defeat on Saturday to ensure they finish first in Group A.
The Peruvians (+700) are on the brink of elimination after taking just one point from their first two games of the tournament. They held Chile to a 0-0 draw on Matchday 1, but a 1-0 defeat to Canada on Tuesday evening left them at the bottom of Group A. La Blanquirroja’s destiny is now out of their own hands. To reach the knockout stage, they need to beat Argentina while also hoping that Canada slips up against Chile. Keep reading for Copa America betting odds and info.
Argentina vs. Peru live odds & lines
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Argentina vs. Peru player props
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Argentina’s path to victory likely includes Lautaro Martínez
Lautaro Martínez has played a starring role for Argentina at this tournament. The Inter Milan striker came off the bench to score the second goal in the team’s 2-0 victory over Canada. He then repeated the feat against Chile on Tuesday. The game was delicately poised at 0-0 when he entered the fray in the 74th minute, but Martínez finally broke Chile’s resistance by firing in a powerful strike.
That means he has now scored one goal every 15 minutes at the 2024 Copa America tournament, which is an impressive strike rate. Martínez started in attack alongside Lionel Messi at the 2022 World Cup, but he was carrying an injury, and his performances were below par. Julián Álvarez replaced him in the starting XI, and La Albiceleste went on to be crowned world champions. Álvarez has kept his place since then, but Martínez is now staking a serious claim to become a regular starter. Argentina has already qualified for the knockout stage, so the manager may decide to play him from the first whistle on Saturday.
Peru might have to take more risks to win
La Blanquirroja have failed to score in both of their games so far at this tournament. They had just 35% of the possession in their game against Chile, and they lacked cutting edge on the counterattack. Peru looked stronger against Canada, but its fortunes plummeted after Miguel Araujo was sent off in the 60th minute. Canada capitalized, as striker Jonathan David scored the only goal of the game 15 minutes later.
Peru’s head-to-head record against Argentina is poor. The Peruvians have lost their last three games against La Albiceleste, including a 2-0 home defeat last year. They are also winless in their last 16 matches against Argentina, a run stretching back to 1997. However, Argentina’s players may not display their usual intensity, as they are already guaranteed a place in the quarterfinals, so the Peruvians could be in with a chance of success if they take more risks.
Argentina expected starting 11
Emiliano Martínez has started both of Argentina’s games so far and will likely keep his place in goal on Matchday 3. Defenders Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, and Lisandro Martínez have also been ever-present so far, meaning they may get a breather against Peru. Nicolás Otamendi is awaiting his first start of the tournament. The manager has alternated Marcos Acuña and Nicolas Tagliafico at left-back, and it may be Acuña’s turn to start in this game.
Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister have also played in both games. They were joined by Leandro Paredes and Ángel Di María in midfield on Matchday 1, while Enzo Fernández and Nicolás González started against Chile. If manager Lionel Scaloni decides to rest De Paul and Mac Allister, Paredes and Di María could come back into the lineup. Lionel Messi may also be due a rest, so Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez could form the attacking duo.
Peru expected starting 11
Peru will line up in a 3-5-2 formation, with Pedro Gallesse in goal. Miguel Araujo, Carlos Zambrano, and Alexander Callens normally form the back three, but Araujo will now be suspended for this game after he was sent off against Canada. Anderson Santamaría could replace him in the starting XI.
Luis Advíncula was Peru’s left wing-back on Matchday 1, but Marcos López replaced him for the game against Canada. The manager did not make any other changes, with Andy Polo at right wing-back, Sergio Peña, Wilder Cartagena, and Piero Quispe in midfield, and Gianluca Lapadula and Edison Flores up front. They are all likely to start this weekend.
