Argentina vs Peru: 5 factors that could make a difference

The CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers are approaching a fascinating conclusion as the penultimate round of matches would be played in South America. Brazil are the only team South American side who have secured their spot in next year’s World Cup to be played in Russia. The competition is so fierce in the Qualifiers that even World Cup 2014 runner-ups, Argentina, could be forced to miss out next year’s global event.

La Albiceleste face a daunting task at home against a roaring Peru side, who are one place above the home team with a superior goal difference. With seven teams still in the mix for earning automatic qualification spots for Russia, Messi and Co. must be on top of their games if they are to take three points from this must-win clash against Peru.

Here are the five most interesting facts associated with this monumental clash:

#5 La Bombonera

La Bombonera is officially called as Estadio Alberto J. Armando

The emblematic La Bombonera would be the venue for the World Cup qualification game between Argentina and Peru instead of the Estadio Monumental. The Argentina Football Association took this decision to aim at a better support for the national team in their time of need.

The FA is reportedly believed to have issued over 6000 tickets to Boca Ultras for the match. The Argentine National Team also boasts a terrific record at the Bombonera, having lost just two of the games they have played there.

La Doce (the 12th man), as the stadium is nicknamed, could be a telling difference in the match between Argentina and Peru, as the FA expect the fans to get over the nerves of the Peru XI.

#4 Peruvian Water

Peru is currently ranked fourth in the table, one above the Argentines

The Peru FA has taken all measures to ensure their victory at Bombonera. It is reported that the Peru National Team would carry their own water supplies to Argentina and the Inca wouldn't drink water from the sources of Buenos Aires.

This situation re-ignites the alleged drugging of Branco during the 1990 FIFA World Cup. With both sides doing their best to ensure a victory at the home of the Boca, Peru wouldn't take chances with the health of their players to ensure they keep their lead in the points table over Argentina.

#3 Argentina's poor form

Argentina face Peru at home in a must-win qualification match

Jorge Sampaoli's men are on a disastrous run of form. The dip in the performances of the Albiceleste came after the 2014 World Cup. Edgardo Bauza disastrous stint at national manager was followed by Sampaoli taking over the fellow Argentine. The ex-Sevilla manager was expected to drive Argentina to Russia, but the situation hasn't improved.

Recent draws with Uruguay and Venezuela, following a shocking defeat to Bolivia, has landed them in a tricky situation, where the men in White and Blue are in serious danger of missing out next year's global tournament. To the frustration of the fans, Argentina's last competitive victory was in March, against Chile.

#2 Peru's brave run of form

The Peruvians are aiming at a spot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Unlike their counterparts, Peru have been on a marvelous run of form, grabbing victories in their last three qualification matches to put them ahead of the runner-ups of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Peru are a strong contender to qualify for the Russian edition of the tournament, and could well be the reason that the World No. 4 side could miss the tournament.

However, to the relief of the Argentine fans, a fifth place finish in the CONMEBOL qualifiers would take them to a two-legged playoff against New Zealand.

#1 Sergio Aguero's absence

Sergio Aguero is out until December due to injury

Talismanic forward Leo Messi would be without fellow striker and friend, Sergio Aguero who is out due to injury. The Manchester City forward was involved in a car crash last week in Amsterdam. The accident left significant blows to the forward, also breaking his rib, keeping him out of action until at least December.

Messi and Dybala would be the centre points of the Albiceleste offense, hoping to improve from their disastrous run of form recently. Although Argentina have a formidable attacking force at their helm, they have managed to score only 16 goals, only Bolivia scoring fewer.