Argentina - Peru predictions and free betting tips [30/06/2024]

On Sunday, 30 June, at 3rd round of Copa America, Argentina will face Peru. While the "Albiceleste" have already secured their spot in the playoffs with two victories, the "Blanquirroja" need maximum points to even have a shot at finishing in the top two.

Predicted Lineups

Argentina: Armani; Montiel, Otamendi, Pezzella, Acuña; Mac Allister, Rodriguez, Palacios; Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, Garnacho. 

The Argentine squad is missing two players due to injuries: defender Foyth (Villarreal) and Paulo Dybala (Roma, 3 goals). Additionally, Balerdi (Marseille) and Medina (Lens) were not called up. It's clear that even without them, the "Albiceleste" have a powerful lineup, led by Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, 108 goals), who will get a rest in the final group stage match after sustaining a thigh injury in the game against Chile but still managed to assist Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan) in the dying moments.

Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) has kept two clean sheets in the opening matches and might also get a break, whereas De Paul (Atletico), Di Maria (Benfica), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Julian Alvarez and Acuña (Sevilla), Montiel, Tagliafico (Lyon), and Molina (Atletico) are expected to get some game time. Additionally, talented players such as Lo Celso (Tottenham), Garnacho (Manchester United), Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Paredes (Roma), and Martinez Quarta (Fiorentina) are available.

Peru: Gallese; Santamaria, Zambrano, Callens; Polo, Peña, Cartagena, Quispe, Lopez; Lapadula, Flores. 

Three experienced players did not make the Peruvian squad for this tournament: midfielder Tapia (Celta), Trauco and Yotun (injured). While the first two weren't chosen by the coaching staff, the latter is in the medical room. It's also important to note that central defender Miguel Araujo (Portland Timbers) was sent off against Canada and won't play in the final group match or even in the quarter-finals (if they make it). On the plus side, players such as Callens (AEK Athens), Peña (Malmo), Marcos Lopez (Feyenoord), and forwards Lapadula (Cagliari, 9 goals) and Flores (16 goals) are available.

Three-time Copa America Golden Boot winner and Peru's top scorer in the tournament’s history, Paolo Guerrero (39 goals), needs one more goal to level with the late Teodoro Fernandez for the most goals scored by "The Incas" in the history of the tournament (15). Andre Carrillo (11 national team appearances) also expects to get playing minutes in the second half, while Anderson Santamaria will form a defensive trio with Carlos Zambrano and Alexander Callens.

Stadium

The match will take place in Miami at Hard Rock Stadium.

Argentina

Expectations were high for the Argentine team, the Copa America holders and current world champions, in the opening matches. The "Albiceleste" fought hard for their two victories – against Canada (2:0) and Chile in the second round, with Lautaro Martinez scoring in the dying moments (0:1). As a result, with six points, Lionel Scaloni's men have already qualified for the quarter-finals and can afford to rotate the squad to rest key players. 

Ranked first in the FIFA rankings, Argentina has only lost two out of 59 matches in all competitions since the summer of 2019 – an unexpected 2:1 loss to Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup and a 2:0 defeat to Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers last November. Notably, since that setback, Argentina has won their subsequent seven matches with a combined score of 15:2.

Peru

The World Cup qualifying campaign isn’t going well for Peru: the team has suffered four defeats and two draws, placing them at the bottom of the table after Bolivia. The "Incas" did not participate in the World Cup in Qatar (exiting in the qualification playoffs to Australia) and have yet to win in this Copa America, drawing 0:0 with Chile in the first round and losing 0:1 to Canada a few days ago. Miguel Araujo's sending off in the 59th minute for tripping disrupted the white-and-red's entire game plan, with a precise strike in the 74th minute by Jonathan David deciding the tense match in Kansas.

Now Jorge Fossati's men are at the bottom of Group A, level on points with Chile (1 each), and need a win on Sunday night to progress to the playoffs. Ranked 31st in the FIFA rankings, Peru has failed to score in eight of their last 12 matches in all competitions. Moreover, the "Incas" risk exiting the Copa America at the group stage for the first time since 1995.

Head-to-Head

Peru has not beaten Argentina since 1997 – a 16-match unbeaten run for the "Albiceleste" with 12 victories and 4 draws. Argentina also won their last three head-to-head encounters (0:2, 1:0, and 0:2).

Match Prediction Argentina vs Peru

Although Argentina has already secured their spot in the playoffs and can afford some squad rotation, the "Albiceleste" bench inspires optimism for their fans. Even without Messi, the reigning world champions should have no trouble overcoming the crisis-stricken Peruvians, who have won just once in their last four matches in all competitions. Expect a convincing win for Scaloni's men with a handicap of -1.

Total Goals Prediction

The "Albiceleste" reserves will need to prove themselves if given the opportunity, so the world champions won't be holding anything back. Bet confidently on the favourite's individual total over 1.5 goals.

Corner Prediction

The Argentine team significantly outmatches their opponent in experience and player selection, and will undoubtedly dominate the game. Bet on the "Albiceleste" winning on corners with a handicap of -2.5.

Yellow Cards Prediction

Both teams have earned a total of just two yellow cards in their opening two matches, so confidently bet on the total number of cautions being under 3.5.

Score Prediction

I will place my bet on a 3:1 victory for Argentina.