Peru take on Australia in the final Group C game in Sochi on Tuesday night.

The South Americans are already eliminated after 1-0 losses to both Denmark and France. The Socceroos must beat Peru to have any hope of progressing.

According to Schmerler, who writes for sports newspaper Depor, La Blanquirroja coach Ricardo Gareca is likely to tinker with his line-up for the match but stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

With striker Jefferson Farfan and defender Alberto Rodriguez both injured, centre back Anderson Santamaria appears to be given the go-ahead to start against Australia.

Back-up goalkeepers Carlos Caceda and Jose Carvallo are pushing Pedro Gallese, who played in both World Cup matches so far, hard for a start.

Schmerler understands defender Miguel Araujo, forward Raul Ruidiaz, and midfielders Andy Polo and Wilder Cartagena are all in strong contention to either start or receive minutes off the bench in Fischt.

Peru have had opportunities in both their World Cup fixtures but a lack of finishing, including a missed penalty against the Danes, has proved costly.

"Peru have the ball but don't score," Schmerler told FourFourTwo.

"France defended much better than Denmark after they scored their goals. It is very peculiar that Peru had the ball in the two games but didn't score any goals. But with the France game Hugo Lloris was not the key player, as Kasper Schmeichel was in the first match."

Schmerler, who is based in Lima, admits his country has taken the two World Cup losses hard but will be fighting to knock the Socceroos off in their final fixture.

"There's a feeling of disappointment," he said.

"People are sad now. But the team will be pushing for a win over Australia for the honour."