Verdict: Peru Draw no bet
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Following the goalless draw with rivals Denmark, Sweden will want to defeat Peru in their final warm-up game and end a three-match winless run ahead of the start of the 2018 World Cup. La Blanquirroja, on the other hand, have been thoroughly impressive in the build up to the tournament in Russia and they are searching for their sixth successive triumph.
Sweden
While they did well to pip neighbours Denmark to a place at the Euro 2016 finals, Sweden were largely disappointing at what proved the final major tournament for their superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic. However, Blagult fared pretty well in his absence during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, finishing second in their qualifying group before producing a major upset to eliminate mighty Italy in the play-offs.
The result will definitely serve as a major boost ahead of the tournament in Russia, although it has to be noted that Sweden have struggled for form of late. Namely, Blagult suffered back to back defeats to Chile and Romania in March friendlies before playing out a goalless draw with Denmark few days ago and it is clear they will have to do a lot better if they want to progress from the group that also contains Germany, Mexico and Korea Republic.
Team News
There have been no reported injuries ahead of the Peru clash, but John Guidetti should be fit to play after suffering a minor injury in training.
The Peruvian national team have now ended a 36-year wait for their fifth World Cup appearance as the two-time Copa America champions have seriously raised their profile over the last few years. Third-place finishes at the 2011 and 2015 Copa America finals showed that La Blanquirroja are on a major uptrend and the impressive finish of the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign saw Ricardo Gareca’s men secure a place in the play-offs, where they got the better of New Zealand.
Peru had recorded three wins and as many draws in last six WC qualifiers, which is an impressive achievement in the South American zone, and they head into the Sweden friendly on the back of a 14-match unbeaten run. What is more, La Blanquirroja have won their last five fixtures, but it is the return of star striker Paolo Guerrero that is much more important than all these results. The former Bayern Munich forward was finally lifted his doping ban and he responded with 2 goals in a 3-0 friendly win over Saudi Arabia, so chances are he will prove a handful for Sweden defenders as well.
Team News
Jefferson Farfan should be fit to play after recovering from an ankle problem, but Christian Ramos is rated doubtful for selection.
Key Factors to Consider
Sweden winless in last three matches (D1 L2)
Blagult scored just once in those games
Peru on a five-match winning run and 14-game unbeaten streak
La Blanquirroja conceded just once in last six
The two sides have never met before
Conclusion
Sweden have been struggling for form of late and seeing that they lack decent replacements for the starting XI, we doubt they will be able to match red-hot Peru team. La Blanquirroja are buoyed by the return of Paolo Guerrero and we are backing them to pile more misery on Blagult.
Verdict: Peru Draw no bet
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