Peru vs Argentina Odds - Despite Maradona’s fumbles, Argentina should cruise

If you’ve been betting online with Argentina during these World Cup qualifiers, you’ve been wondering just what is wrong with the team many believe is one of the top five in the world in terms of talent. Many feel it’s the coaching of the inexperienced Diego Maradona, who has made some suspect player selections, but it won’t make a difference when they host Peru.

Peru vs Argentina odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
Peru has nothing to play for as they are at the bottom of the table with only two wins in their 16 qualifiers. Argentina, on the other hand, has been one of the biggest disappointments and a loss would put them on the verge of elimination. In fact, a draw wouldn’t help very much, either.

Betting Edge: Argentina

Peru vs Argentina odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Peruvians have scored just nine goals in their 16 matches so far, as players like Claudio Pizarro have been left off the squad. Juan Vargas and Johan Fano have two goals apiece for Peru, which isn’t a good sign.

Argentina has 20 goals in 16 games, which is a bit low considering the talent at their disposal. Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Juan Roman Riquelme have four goals each, but Riquelme left the team after a disagreement with coach Diego Maradona. Riquelme was the orchestrator of Argentina’s attack, and with Juan Sebastien Veron suspended, Pablo Aimar will be the playmaker for the Argentineans.

Betting Edge: Argentina

Peru vs Argentina odds maker breakdown: Defense
Peru’s defense is, in a word, awful. They’ve allowed 32 goals so far, and they’ve kept only two clean sheets. Keeper Leao Butron is often left to fend for himself behind some shoddy defending, which is why Peru is such a big sportsbook underdog in this contest.

Argentina has allowed 19 goals, and for some reason, Maradona left Javier Zanetti off of the squad. This could come back to haunt him as Pablo Zabaleta was injured while playing for Manchester City, and defensive midfielder (and captain) Javier Mascherano is battling muscle fatigue. Maradona also bounces back and forth between his keepers, which leads to uncertainty.

Betting Edge: Argentina

Peru vs Argentina odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Peru’s major worry is midfielder Roberto Palacios (knee), who is doubtful for this clash.

Argentina may be missing Mascherano (fatigue), while Zabaleta (muscle) is out along with the suspended Veron.

Betting Edge: Peru

Peru vs Argentina odds maker breakdown: Totals
With a posted total of 3.5, and a sense of urgency that Argentina should be playing with, it could be a rout and far different from the 1-1 draw in Peru from last September. The Peruvians man-marked Messi to take him out of the game, and I think Maradona (or one of his assistants) would figure out a way to free up their star.

Betting Edge: OVER 3.5

Peru vs Argentina betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Argentineans have a lot to prove on Saturday, as they must begin this critical closing portion of their qualifying schedule with a win. Peru is really only out to play the spoiler, but Argentina has the talent to deal with their scrappy play. The key is Maradona, as he has been terrible since taking over Argentina. His selection policy leaves much to be desired, and it’s inexplicable to think he would drop Zanetti, who has played for Argentina a record 138 times, at such an important time. But his team will rise up and win this match, in spite of him.

TODD’S PICK: Argentina -850

For more sports betting odds, lines and props as we head towards South African, check out our world-renowned sportsbook at BetOnline.com.

Todd Shale contributes soccer analysis to BetOnline.com.