Rio de Janeiro: Colombia will look ahead to confirm their Copa America 2021 quarterfinals spot as they take on Peru on Monday in a Group A encounter. In another same group match, Venezuela, who are yet to pocket full points, would try to go all out against Ecuador.
Sitting currently at the second spot in the group, Colombia started with a 1-0 win over Ecuador before playing a stalemate against Venezuela. However, Colombia will have to play without Luis Dias, who got a red card against Venezuela.
Colombia head coach Reinaldo Reuda is likely to go with Juan Cuadrado and Edwin Cardona on the flanks. The front line will have Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata while the defence would see the return of Davinson Sanchez pairing alongside Yerry Mina.
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On the other hand, Peru looked really helpless in front of Brazil with coach Rico Gareca opting to omit forwards Raul Ruidiaz and Paolo Guerrero. However, the side will depend vehemently on attacking midfielder Christian Cueva. Gianluca Lopadula will be leading the pack with the likes of Christian Ramos, Marcos Lopez alongside.
In the second match of the day, both Venezuela and Ecuador will be aiming for their maiden win of the tournament. Venezuela would miss key players like Josef Martinez, Romulo Otero, Roberto Rosales and many more due to positive COVID-19 reports. In their absence, Fernando Aristeguieta would form the front line with Jose Martinez and Cristian Casseres.
The defence is most likely to stay the same from the previous match with La Mantia, Luis Martinez and Luis Mago. Ecuador will be led by Enner Valencia with Gonzalo Plata and Michael Estrada will be supporting the talisman. Jhegson Mendes would partner up with 19-year-old prospect Moises Caicedo to form an exciting midfield.
