Colombia to bounce back in Peru
Peru host Colombia in World Cup qualifying this Friday morning BST, the Incas are in desperate need of a result after a slow start to the campaign, looking to make their second consecutive World Cup for the first time ever. They come into this one off the back of three defeats, but having not played since mid November, a fresh was needed and by hook or by crook it has been supplied. Colombia began in impressive fashion by winning handsomely over Venezuela and taking a point off of Chile, but comprehensive losses against Uruguay and Ecuador followed leaving them also in need of a positive outcome. James Rodriguez is not in the squad, so the Peru camp may be buoyed by his exception.
Recent form
With the squads not meeting up and training or playing together for such a long time, form does go out of the window a little. Colombia have been a more accomplished footballing nation in the last few years, a common feature at World Cups, therefore it is not a surprise to see them command the favourites tag, it looks a value play. Serie A stars in the form of Juan Cuadrado, Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata, who also had superb ends to the season it must be said, should have the quality to turn the screw in Peru despite the absence of Rodriguez.
Peru are at a crossroads in the group, if they lose to Colombia then they will have a mountain to climb, draw and their situation is much the same, or win and see a whole new outlook on the competition. It feels strange to be getting behind Colombia when they have lost 3-0 at home to Uruguay and been dispatched 6-1 at the hands of Ecuador in their last two outings, but the break since those encounters has to be a good thing. They can hit the reset button and press on to produce a much improved display here.
Goals?
Not an angle for me, the lack of recent action gives an air of unpredictability in terms of the nature of this fixture. However, battling it out after a long and tiring season would play more into the hands of an unders punt.
- Peru have scored in five of ten.
- Peru have conceded in nine of ten.
- Peru have seen both teams score in four of ten.
- Peru have seen over 2.5 goals in three of ten.
- Colombia have scored in six of ten.
- Colombia have conceded in five of ten.
- Colombia have seen both teams score in four of ten.
- Colombia have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
This one was tough to pinpoint a value play so getting Colombia onside with an outright play seemed the best option at a juicy price.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
A comfortable 3-0 win for Colombia.