Peru vs. Uruguay: Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

Despite their non-winning record, Peru will host an outstanding Uruguayan team in Lima for CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Friday night.

As we approach the midway point, the hosts are firmly entrenched at the bottom of the standings. In contrast, Uruguay will be confident in their ability to qualify for a fifth consecutive World Cup, having already defeated Argentina and Brazil.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

Marcelo Bielsa is having a significant impact on his current endeavor, as is frequently the case, and Uruguay is fortunate that it has been a positive one thus far.

Bielsa is poised to guide La Celeste to yet another World Cup, even though 10-man Colombia defeated them in the Copa America semi-finals. The dreaded memories of missing out in 2006 are now a distant thought.

Nevertheless, controversy follows, as is frequently the case with Bielsa, and the shocking statements from Luis Suarez over the past week have sparked off-field drama.

The Uruguayan legend asserted that Bielsa had fostered a toxic environment within the squad, resulting in rifts and divisions. Although business continues as usual, this matter should be monitored in the coming months.

Bielsa was deprived of most of his main players for the two qualifiers last month due to the altercation following the final siren, a significant factor in the loss above to Colombia.

Nevertheless, Uruguay secured two 0-0 draws against Paraguay and Venezuela. Despite their relegation to third place behind Colombia, they remain the continent's leading scorer with 13 goals. Additionally, they have maintained an uninterrupted streak of over eight hours in qualifying, dating back to their match against Colombia on matchday three.

Uruguay will be aware that this is a challenging location to visit, as they have only succeeded on one of their previous five competitive excursions, even though Peru is presently in catastrophic circumstances.

Peru appears to be on the brink of elimination once more, as the hosts have only lost two of their last 10 qualifiers at home. However, both of these losses have occurred during the current campaign.

Jorge Fossati's team continues to rank at the bottom of the CONMEBOL qualifying standings, having scored only twice and secured only three points thus far.

The Blanquirroja have experienced a significant decline in performance, having previously reached the 2018 finals and the 2019 Copa America final. They are six points away from the Intercontinental playoff place, a route they traversed in the 2022 qualification, ultimately succumbing to the final hurdle.

Colombia was held to a draw in Peru last month, as Luis Diaz's late strike prevented them from securing a victory. However, they were ineffective in Ecuador a few days later, losing 1-0 and managing only two attempts during the 90-minute match.

Peru x Uruguay Team News

Peru is currently without several of its most experienced international players, including Leganes' Renato Tapia, who sustained an injury late last month, and record cap holder Yoshimar Yotun, who is currently unavailable for an extended period.

Fossati will also be without Miguel Trauco and Anderson Santamaria at the defense, as well as the attacking triumvirate of Gianluca Lapadula, Yordy Reyna, and Santiago Ormeno. The manager has recalled 35-year-old Horatio Calcaterra, who will become the eldest member of the squad.

Suarez's final match for Uruguay was played last month, and he has since retired. Bielsa is still without several important players as a result of the sanctions imposed in the aftermath of the Copa America fracas.

Rodrigo Bentancur will be absent from both games this month as he serves the second half of his four-game punishment. Jose Maria Gimenez and Matias Olivera will serve the final of their three-game suspensions at this location. Consequently, both players are included in the squad for the upcoming match against Ecuador next week.

Darwin Nunez was issued the most severe sanction; however, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has provisionally deferred it while they investigate the matter, allowing the Liverpool player to participate in this month's matches after serving two of his five-game suspension.

Sebastian Caceres and Lucas Olaza are compelled to withdraw due to their setbacks, while Ronald Araujo is also prohibited. However, his injury renders him unavailable.

Our Predictions

Uruguay to win @ 1.97 on Sky247.ng

The last five meetings between these two nations have yielded only six goals. Uruguay's exceptional defensive record, coupled with Peru's profligacy, suggests that a low-scoring away victory is the most probable outcome.

Peru, which is currently at the bottom of the standings, did exhibit some promising indications against Colombia last month. However, their winless streak against Uruguay is expected to extend to five matches even though they have the advantage of playing at home.

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