Venezuela v Peru: Copa America betting preview, tip & TV details

TV: Premier 1, 8pm Saturday

Peru finished 14 points above Venezuela in 2018 World Cup qualifying and they look overpriced to defeat the Vinotinto in their Copa America opener in Porto Alegre.

Last summer's World Cup was a fantastic experience for Peru who created a good impression in each of their three games, narrowly losing 1-0 to Denmark and France before signing off with an impressive 2-0 victory over Australia.

The biggest criticism of Peru was their poor finishing which often wasted some inventive approach play.

They need to improve in front of goal and a lot depends on the contribution of veteran striker Paolo Guerrero, who has netted 35 goals in 91 internationals.

Guerrero did not look fully fit last summer, which was understandable because he had only just returned from a seven-month absence due to a drug ban.

He should be in better shape for the Copa America and is the 11-2 favourite to score the game's opening goal.

Defensively, Peru need to be alive to the threat of powerhouse Venezuela centre-forward Salomon Rondon – scorer of 22 international goals – and pacy striker Josef Martinez, who has scored 50 times in 69 appearances for MLS club Atlanta United.

However, Venezuela head coach Rafael Dudamel has been reluctant to start both of his centre-forwards and Martinez has had to be content with a substitute role in both warm-up games – a 3-1 loss to Mexico in Atlanta and a 3-0 victory over USA in Cincinnati.

Other Venezuelans to keep an eye out for are Espanyol right-back Roberto Rosales and Torino midfielder Tomas Rincon, but Dudamel's side appear to lack the strength in depth of Peru and may struggle to avoid defeat.

Recommendation
Peru
1pt 6-4 general

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Venezuela
Adalberto Penaranda (leg) suffered an injury in the warm-up match against Mexico and has been replaced by Yeferson Soltedo.

Peru
Winger Paulo Hurtado was injured and makes way for defensive midfielder Josepmir Ballon.

Key stat
Venezuela have won just two of their last 20 competitive matches.

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