Two of the form horses heading into the World Cup meet in the third match of the marathon day of football on Saturday afternoon when Peru take on Denmark in the second game of Group C in Saransk.
Both teams are in the middle of lengthy unbeaten spells and with their rankings inside the top 12 in the world we should be expected a really good game of football here. In what is seen as an open group we should expect an appealing encounter.
Peru
After drawing in Sweden last weekend, Peru are now 15 matches unbeaten heading into their first game of the tournament. Among that run they have conceded just one goal in their last seven and they won that match 3-1. There is no doubt that Ricardo Gareca’s charges are enjoying playing alongside each other at the present time.
We can expect Peru to set up in their counter attacking style but should any opponent, not just Denmark, sit in on them they have four players in attacking areas who can open up any side. Peru have a real comfort on the ball and as with all South American sides there is a likeable flair to their play which makes them good to watch.
Denmark
Denmark are also on a crazy good run right now. They too are 15 matches without a defeat and they have won eight of those games, keeping clean sheets in every match they have played in 2018. That run builds on a wonderful end to qualifying which saw them smash Poland and then overpowered Ireland in the play-off to get here.
There is no doubt that an issue for Denmark comes in their central forward area where they lack an out and out top class act in that position. They certainly don’t need to look far for one such player in behind whoever plays through the middle though as Christian Eriksen is one of the better players in Europe at present.
Team News
It is well known by now that Peru captain Paolo Guerrero has been allowed to play by FIFA as his drugs ban has been lifted for the tournament. Jefferson Farfan is expected to play just behind his captain for the South Americans.
Denmark’s big decision is whether to go with Feyenoord forward Nicolai Jorgensen through the middle or to utilise Kasper Dolberg there instead. Simon Kjaer is set to partner Andreas Christiansen at the back.
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Betting
I’m looking forward to a good game here between two sides who are pleasing on the eye but as I’ve been writing all week I believe Peru are incorrect outsiders here. If these two sides are tightly matched, and I’m far from convinced that they are, then the number of attacking options Peru have give them the edge on a Denmark side who are far too reliant on Eriksen. I respect the potential for the draw here so I’ll take it out of play but I can’t avoid backing Peru to be the team who win if there is a winner.
One weakness the Peruvians have is that they are not the tallest bunch in the world so they could be vulnerable at set pieces which makes me think a small punt on Andreas Christiansen to score anytime could be worth a go. He scored Denmark’s equaliser in Dublin in the play-off second leg in November and should be a threat on the end of Eriksen’s deliveries. At 12/1 he’s a big price to notch and worth a small saver.
Tips
Back Peru to beat Denmark (DNB) for a 4/10 stake at 2.25 with BetBright
Back them here:
Back A.Christiansen to score anytime for a 1/10 stake at 13.00 with Karamba
Back him here:
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