Prediction: Brazil vs Peru

Verdict: Brazil half-time/full-time

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

With a spot in the final of this year’s Copa America up for grabs on Tuesday at midnight, Brazil will welcome Peru to Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil

Starting with the hosts, while Brazil might have once again struggled to find top-gear against Chile over the weekend, The Yellows have only continued on what has been an extended purple patch. Finding a way to grind out results and immediately bouncing back from that 1-1 draw against Ecuador in their final Group B contest, Seleção are enjoying a 12-match unbeaten run across all formats, a run that stems back to a friendly defeat against Argentina back in November 2019. A squad that is glittering with all-star names, Head Coach Tite has only seen his side continue to build off of their stellar run in the South American World Cup qualifiers on either side of their enforced break. Winning all six of their qualifying contests and tipped as a clear favourite to defend their Copa America crown this year, Brazil are also enjoying an extended purple patch on home soil. Including their 1-0 win against Chile last time out, Tuesday’s hosts are unbeaten in each of their last nine home matchups, winning eight of those appearances.

Team News

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus will be serving a suspension in midweek after being shown a straight red card against Chile.

However, Jesus’ fellow City teammate Ederson is expected to retain his spot between the sticks for Brazil in Rio.

Peru

As for the visitors, while Peru might have endured a real nightmare run of form during their South American World Cup qualifying run on either side of the enforced break, La Blanquirroja have bounced back in an eye-catching fashion. Managing to book their midweek trip to Rio thanks to a stunning penalties victory against Paraguay over the weekend following their 3-3 draw, Ricardo Gareca’s side are desperate to make it back-to-back Copa America finals. However, while they might be enjoying their longest unbeaten run since 2018, they have gained a reputation for their struggles at the back. It should be noted that The Bicolour have recorded just a single clean sheet in their last 14 straight contests. Although the mood in Peru’s camp will be at a real high as they make the trip out to Rio in midweek, they do hold what is a worrying record against the South American giants. Hit with a 4-0 drumming when they last faced off against Brazil last month in a Group B contest, they also shipped four goals once again in a World Cup qualifier nine months ago.

Team News

Shown a red card late on against Paraguay, Andre Carrillo will miss out in midweek as he serves a suspension.

Aside from being unable to call upon Carrillo, Peru are expected to name the same starting XI that secured that eye-catching penalties win over the weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off back on June 18th, Brazil picked up a 4-0 victory.
• In fact, Tuesday’s hosts have picked up the win in five of their last six matchups against La Blanquirroja.
• Peru are enjoying a four-match unbeaten run, their brightest run of form since 2018.
• Likewise, the midweek guests have recorded just a single clean sheet in their last 14 straight contests.
• Four of the last five meetings between Brazil and Peru have finished with over 3.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Peru might have managed to land that stunning penalties victory against Paraguay over the weekend, they face a stern test when they travel to Rio in midweek. Although Brazil might have failed to find their best form over the past week, the South American giants have only continued on an extended unbeaten run. Finding a way to grind out results and coming past a plucky Chile last time out, The Yellows should be smelling a real chance to move one step closer to reclaiming their crown. Landing themselves a thumping 4-0 win when they faced off against Peru back on June 18th, we’re backing a similar home victory here.

Verdict: Brazil half-time/full-time

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet