Prediction: Brazil to Win to Nil
Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: 888Sport
Brazil will be aiming to round off the Copa America group stages in style as they take on Peru at the Corinthians Arena on Saturday evening.
Meanwhile, Ricardo Gareca’s men will be hoping to upset the odds in Sao Paulo and also claim top spot in Group A.
Peru
Peru have had a positive if unspectacular tournament in Brazil so far and should they overcome their hosts, they will be guaranteed to finish top of the group. They begun the tournament with an unconvincing 0-0 draw against Venezuela. However, they then followed that up with a 3-1 victory against Bolivia. Even going into the game against Brazil, just a point will be enough to see them guarantee qualification for the next round. Should they qualify, they will extend an excellent record at the Copa America. The team have not failed to progress from the first round of the competition since 1995. However, their wait to win the competition has gone on slightly longer. The two-time winners have not lifted the trophy since 1975 – an aspect they will hope to improve on as they progress through the latest edition.
Team News
Gareca does not have any injury concerns for the game so could well name an unchanged lineup for what is arguably his team’s most difficult assignment of the competition so far. Farfan and Guerrero both starred last time out so are likely to start again this time around.
Brazil
Like Peru, Tite’s Brazil have been slightly inconsistent at the tournament but again would top the group with a victory. The Selecao opened their group stage campaign with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Bolivia before also stumbling to a scoreless draw against Venezuela. Despite that, the nation are still on an impressive run of form since the 2018 World Cup in Russia. They are undefeated in their last 12 games and have notched four clean sheets in a row. Brazil have not kept five consecutive shutouts since January 2017 and they now have an excellent opportunity to achieve just that. The third-most successful team in the competition’s history Brazil will now hope to go on to lift the trophy for the first time since 2007.
Team News
Barcelona midfielder Arthur made his return from injury against Venezuela and could be selected to play once again. However, he has considerable competition from the likes of Fernandinho and Casemiro. Roberto Firmino has done well up front for Brazil but Manchester City man Gabriel Jesus is pushing for a start.
Key Facts To Consider
- Brazil have by far the better all-time record between the two sides (W31, D9, L4)
- Peru have only lost more Copa America games against Uruguay and Argentina
- Brazil won the last game between the two sides 2-0 in 2016
- Peru won the last time the teams came together in the Copa America
- Neymar remains missing for the hosts and is set to be out for the whole tournament
Conclusion
Both teams will really be aiming to lay down an impressive performance after uninspiring displays so far throughout the tournament. Clearly, Brazil have the more talented squad but Peru will be extremely motivated to finish top of the group. The former should have enough to win though and they should extend their impressive run of clean sheets.
Prediction: Brazil to Win to Nil
Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: 888Sport
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