Diego Maradona faces the biggest challenge of his fledgling managerial career as Argentina face Peru in a crucial qualifier.

Maradona, who led his country to glory in the competition in Mexico in 1986 and then to the final in Italy four years later, took over as national coach a year ago and has overseen a disappointing South American zone qualifying campaign.

But the 48-year-old, who insists reports he is set to quit have been misinterpreted, is relishing the battle ahead.

"I've played two World Cup finals. Those were the outstanding games in my life," he said.

"But as a coach, I'm facing the most important ones. And I'm confident."

Argentina lie fifth in the standings, with only the top four teams guaranteed a berth in South Africa. The team finishing fifth will face a two-legged play-off against a CONCACAF nation.

To avoid this stage, they need to beat Peru and then Uruguay on Wednesday, and also hope other results go their way.

Maradona is expected to make a host of changes after three consecutive defeats.

"There are players that didn't fulfil our expectations, so I will pick others now," he said. "I'm the one who chooses, and when you choose you have to leave some out."

Javier Zanetti, Fernando Gago, Jesus Datolo and Maxi Rodriguez are among the regulars who were not even included in Maradona's squad, while Pablo Aimar and Gonzalo Higuain received their first call-ups and are widely expected to start against Peru.

The game will take place back at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, after the match played in Rosario - at Maradona's request - ended in a 3-1 defeat to Brazil last month.

Argentina captain Javier Mascherano is fully aware of what lies ahead for his side.

"We know the challenge we face on Saturday," said the Liverpool midfielder. "We have to win and then win again on Wednesday against Uruguay.

"For an Argentinian player, there's no better motivation than going to a World Cup. No money pays that."

Mascherano was referring to rumours of money being paid to the already-eliminated Peru, either to lose the match or to produce their best effort and beat Argentina.

Peru goalkeeper Leao Butron strongly refuted such talk.

"That would be a disgrace for us," he said. "We know we didn't do things right in this qualification process, but we represent millions of Peruvians.

"The truth is that Argentina are clearly above us now, so a defeat would be a logical result, but we will do our best in Buenos Aires."