Peru and Argentina face each other TODAY at 6:30 p.m. (Peruvian time) for the 17th round of the Russia 2018 qualifiers. This important match will be played at La Bombonera Stadium and will be broadcasted on CMD and TyC Sports.

There is no doubt that this game between Peru and Argentina will be a fierce battle. Both teams are so close yet so far from securing a spot in the next World Cup in Russia 2018.

Peru is currently in fourth place in the Russia 2018 qualifiers standings with 24 points, and Argentina has the obligation not to lose in order to stay in a position that guarantees their place in Russia 2018. However, this task will be very difficult as they will be without 4 players due to suspension.

Christian Cueva, Paolo Hurtado, and Andre Carrillo will not play due to accumulation of yellow cards, while Christian Ramos will miss the match against Argentina for being expelled in the previous match against Ecuador in Quito. Ricardo Gareca will have to present an emergency starting lineup.

The Peruvian national team is going through a good moment and in Argentina they must prove that it is not a matter of luck. So far this year, Peru has not lost any match and has won the last five (including friendlies). Moreover, in these qualifiers, the Peruvian team is the third best visitor. Argentina better be worried.

On the other hand, the Argentine national team is in fifth place (playoff spot) with 24 points and is in need of a victory at home, which has been very difficult for Sampaoli's team as they have only scored 9 goals in home matches.

Argentina is preparing a lineup with a backline of 3, which has been heavily criticized in the media of that country since Sampaoli has not had enough time to practice this scheme in detail. On the other hand, the forward line will be composed of Messi, Di Maria, and Icardi.

Possible lineups

Argentina: Argentina: Sergio Romero; Gabriel Mercado, Federico Fazio, Javier Mascherano, Nicolas Otamendi; Enzo Perez, Ever Banega, Emiliano Rigoni; Lionel Messi, Dario Benedetto, and Angel Di Maria.

Peru: Carlos Caceda; Aldo Corzo, Miguel Araujo, Alberto Rodriguez, Miguel Trauco; Andy Polo, Renato Tapia, Yoshimar Yotun, Edison Flores; Sergio Pena, and Paolo Guerrero.