World champions Argentina return to La Bombonera on Tuesday night, determined to close out 2024 with a statement. Facing off against ninth-place Peru, La Albiceleste aim to reignite their momentum and remind the world why they’re perched at the top of the table.
With a three-point cushion as leaders, Argentina’s path to the World Cup feels secure, but this team thrives on perfection, not complacency. The champions will want nothing less than a commanding victory to cap the year - and with a roaring Buenos Aires crowd behind them, expect fireworks in their final international outing of the year.
The stakes might not be high, but the pride of a champion never rests.
Argentina’s 2-1 setback against Paraguay sent shockwaves through the qualifiers, marking a rare stumble for the reigning world champions. Despite Lautaro Martinez’s early opener in the 11th minute, Paraguay clawed their way back to hand La Albiceleste their third loss in the group. Still, Argentina’s record of seven wins, one draw, and three defeats keeps them atop the standings with 22 points - three clear of Uruguay and five ahead of Brazil.
However, cracks are forming in Argentina’s defensive wall. Cristian Romero’s foot injury rules out the Tottenham star, while Lisandro Martinez’s hip and back issues have sidelined the Manchester United defender. This leaves Leonardo Balerdi poised to earn his fifth cap alongside the ever-reliable Nicolas Otamendi.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho is expected to stay on the bench as Argentina look to steady the ship and reassert their dominance. With their pride on the line, all eyes will be on La Bombonera to see if the champions can respond to adversity like champions do.
ARGENTINA predicted lineup vs PERU: E Martinez (GK); Molina, Balerdi, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez; Messi, Mac Allister, Alvarez; L Martinez.
Peru trudges into this match after a frustrating goalless stalemate against Chile, leaving them languishing in ninth place with just seven points. Their record; one win, four draws, and six losses - paints a grim picture, especially with a dismal return of only three goals in 11 matches. The dream of climbing the CONMEBOL ladder seems distant, with seventh-placed Venezuela five points ahead and Paraguay in sixth a daunting nine points away.
Still, La Blanquirroja remains defiant. No new injuries were reported from the Chile clash, meaning manager Juan Reynoso could stick with the same lineup. All eyes will be on the ageless Paolo Guerrero, who earned his 123rd cap at 40 years old. His fitness will be assessed ahead of kickoff, but Gianluca Lapadula looms as a potential starter should Guerrero need rest.
Luis Advincula is expected to bring his dynamic energy from the wing-back position, while Sergio Pena is poised to return in midfield after being subbed tactically last match. Peru knows the odds are against them, but with grit and a sliver of belief, they’ll take their shot at shocking the world champions.
PERU predicted lineup vs ARGENTINA: Caceda (GK); Corzo, Araujo, Callens; Polo, Sonne, Cartagena, Pena, Advincula; Guerrero, Valera.
Argentina may boast one of the most formidable squads in world football, but their recent performances have been riddled with unexpected stumbles. Yet, when La Albiceleste return to the roaring cauldron of La Bombonera, the energy is unmatched. Peru, by contrast, has been plagued by inconsistency and faces an uphill battle, particularly against a team that thrives on attacking flair and thrives even more under the electrifying gaze of their home crowd.
The visitors will struggle to break through an Argentina side eager to close out 2024 in style, and with their relentless tempo and firepower, the hosts will dominate.
Prediction: Argentina to win without conceding - victory to nil.
