New Zealand take on Peru in Wellington this Saturday, the first of two fixtures that will decide who claims a place at next year’s World Cup Finals in Russia. With the reverse fixture taking place in Peru next week, both teams will be hoping to record an opening victory in New Zealand this weekend.
World Cup Qualification Playoff – Westpac Stadium, Wellington – Saturday 11th November – 02:15 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 13/5 at PaddyPower |
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New Zealand
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New Zealand host Peru in their World Cup qualifying playoff first leg this weekend, with the home side hoping to produce one of their finest results in history in order to give them a chance come the time of the reverse tie. However, with Peru having finished fifth in the South American qualifying standings, it is the visitors who are the favourites for victory. However, there are plenty of appealing betting markets surrounding the encounter, with our top tip below well worth checking out. Before this, let’s take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
New Zealand Team News & Form
New Zealand come into this fixture off the back of a 2-1 defeat away in Japan, with their last success coming in September when they thrashed minnows Solomon Islands. All Whites boss Anthony Hudson does not have an assortment of riches to select from, however Burnley forward Chris Wood will certainly cause the Peru defence issues. The likes of Tommy Smith, Clayton Lewis and Captain Winston Reid all have experience of playing at the top level, with their squad being full of hugely experienced players. Both Wood and Reid have been passed fit for the encounter having picked up minor injuries over the weekend, with manager Hudson having stated that his team will need to be at their very best to beat Peru.
Peru Team News & Form
Having finished fifth in the CONMEBOL standings, ahead of the likes of Chile, Paraguay and Ecuador, Peru are a team undoubtedly on the up. However, the South Americans required a controversial late goal in order to draw with Colombia in their final qualifier, finishing ahead of Chile on goal difference alone. However, the visitors are set to be without Captain Paolo Guerrero after the attacker failed a drugs test, with the likes of Jefferson Farfan and Raul Ruiduaz set to fill in due to his absence. Elsewhere, Watford winger Andre Carrillo has made a fine start to life in the Premier League, with the 26-year-old expected to be a significant threat to the New Zealand back-line.
Head to Head
The two teams have never previously met in any fixture, meaning that no conclusions can be taken from their head-to-head record.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite being the away team for the first leg, it is Peru who are the firm favourites to earn an opening victory with the majority of online bookmakers. The visitors can be backed at best odds of 4/5 with Ladbrokes, while betting on both teams to score during the 90 minutes is also worth considering, with this market available at 19/5 with the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on New Zealand to overcome Peru in Wellington, with Skyebt offering the home side attractive odds of 19/5.