The two teams at the foot of the South American World Cup 2022 qualifying group will collide on Monday as Peru and Venezuela compete to earn their second victories of the competition so far.

They last competed back in June during the Copa America and it was La Blanquirroja who came out on top that day with a 1-0 victory.

Match preview

© Reuters

Peru might be in ninth place of their World Cup 2022 qualification group, but they actually come into this particular fixture in fantastic form.

Ricardo Gareca's squad thrived during the Copa America this summer, managing to go all the way to the semi-finals where they were eventually defeated by Brazil, who they play next after Venezuela.

La Blanquirroja managed to keep a clean sheet and pick up the victory when they last played their upcoming opponents, with a goal from Andre Carrillo helping his team secure a 1-0 during the group stage of the Copa America.

They will now be looking to take the form from that tournament into their qualifiers, which got off to a dismal start with a draw and then four consecutive defeats to Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Colombia.

However, Gareca's men have managed to pick up four points from their last two games in the group, with a 2-1 victory over Ecuador and then a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in their most recent outing.

© Reuters

A 24th-minute goal from Renato Tapia ended up being cancelled out just minutes later when Giorgian de Arrascaeta found the back of the net, but the point was a positive one for Peru against a team in the automatic qualification places.

Venezuela's most recent performance was not quite as impressive as they were defeated 3-1 by Argentina, who currently sit second in the South American qualifying group.

Lionel Messi's team scored just before half time and then two quick goals consecutively in the second half proved to be too much for La Vinotinto, with a Panenka penalty in the last minute from Yeferson Soteldo proving to be nothing more than a consolation.

The defeat alongside Peru's draw saw Venezuela sink to the bottom of the table, with just four points out of their first seven games in the group.

Leonardo Gonzalez is currently in charge as the temporary manager, but he has been unable to change the fortunes so far, as the team heads into Monday's clash in the midst of a seven-game streak without a win.

Team News

© Reuters

After missing the clash with Uruguay due to an accumulation of yellow cards, striker Gianluca Lapadula will once again be available to Peru, which will be a major boost to the team.

He was the joint-top goalscorer at the Copa America this summer and the experienced striker will be looking to lead the line once more, although Paolo Guerrero will be hoping he did enough to retain his place in the starting lineup.

Tapia is one player who should keep his shirt, despite being substituted during the game as his goal proved to be vital, while the attacking threat of Carrillo could also prove to be useful on the wing.

Gonzalez will be without Adrian Martinez for this game after he was given a straight red card for a poor challenge on Messi during Venezuela's defeat against Argentina.

The situation was less than ideal considering that Martinez had been a first-half substitution for Jose Velazquez who suffered an injury during the game and will also be unavailable on Monday, stretching the defensive options.

Peru possible starting lineup:
Gallese; Lopez, Callens, Santamaria, Advincula; Tapia, Yotun, Cueva; Carrillo, Flores, Lapadula

Venezuela possible starting lineup:
Farinez; Gonzalez, Ferraresi, Gonzalez, Villanueva; Savarino, Rincon, Martinez, Soteldo; Ramirez, Martinez

We say: Peru 2-0 Venezuela

Peru's recent change in form has been impressive to behold and the team come into this game looking strong from the Copa America, which is the complete opposite of their opponents.

Venezuela are struggling badly at the moment and it is tough to see how they will be able to end their poor run of form against La Blanquirroja.

Previews by email