Prediction: Peru vs Denmark

Verdict: Double chance – Peru/Draw

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

Peru might be one of the most in-form teams in the entire 2018 World Cup, and they are set to start their first World Cup campaign since 1982 as they will take on a tough Denmark side at Mordovia Arena on Saransk. Both teams look like candidates to advance into the Round of 16 alongside with France in Group C, so getting a win here seems key to get closer to that objective.

Peru

Few teams will arrive to the 2018 FIFA World Cup on such a good form as Peru. Ricardo Gareca’s men have looked nearly unstoppable in the past few months, and are currently riding a 15-game undefeated streak (W10, D5) heading into this contest. Their friendly matches saw them defeat the likes of Croatia and Iceland, and they also secured a draw against Sweden, so there is no question they are well equipped to face almost any team in the competition. And if we add the fact that Paolo Guerrero – their all-time scorer and best player – will be eligible for the tournament, then Peru could turn more than a few heads on Russian soil. Their morale is at an all-time high and they have shown they can go toe-to-toe with any team in the world. But now they have to show it when it matters the most, because getting a win over Denmark could give them a huge lift on their quest to reach the Round of 16.

Team News

Peru are at full strength heading into this game.

Ricardo Gareca has every single player available, including Jefferson Farfan and Andre Carrillo. Both players will be available for selection.

Denmark

The Scandinavian side did not have the best form in their pre-WC friendlies, but they come into this game riding a four-game undefeated run thanks to two wins and two draws. Denmark prepared this game quite a lot, as they decided to face Chile (0-0), Panama (1-0) and Mexico (2-0) to get a clear idea of what could Peru do. But no one knows if those warm-up fixtures will actually work against Peru. For what is worth, Denmark has always been labelled as a one-man show – in reference to Christian Eriksen – and while there is no doubt that the Tottenham star runs the show for the team, the Danish side has a lot of talent on both sides of the ball to potentially pull the upset against Peru. Pretty much like their counterparts in this game, Denmark need to answer the call and perform when it matters the most. After all, this is a pivotal game if they want to make it past the group stage.

Team News

Denmark are at full strength ahead of this game.

There are no injuries or doubtful players heading into this contest.

Key Factors to Consider

• Peru have scored at least two goals in four of their last five matches.
• Los Incas are heading into this game riding a 15-game undefeated streak (W10, D5). Their last defeat came against Brazil back in November 2016.
• On the other hand, Denmark have not lost in their last four matches (W2, D2). Their 10-game form shows four wins, four draws, and two losses.
• This will be the first ever game between Denmark and Peru.
• Denmark’s last four matches have seen under 2.5 goals scored.

Conclusion

Both teams are going through undefeated streaks in this game.

Recent form shows Peru have an edge, though. Expect them to either win or draw here, as both teams will keep their undefeated streaks alive.

Verdict: Double chance – Peru/Draw

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: 888sport