Colombia and Ecuador will face off in a vital CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday night on the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez.
The 2 South American rivals are separated by simply three factors within the desk, making this an essential conflict within the race to safe a spot on the 2026 World Cup.
Match Preview
Colombia have had a blended marketing campaign to date, profitable 5, drawing 4, and dropping 2 of their 11 matches. They suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat in opposition to Uruguay of their final outing, regardless of a late fightback.
Liverpool’s Luis Diaz has been in high quality type, scoring 16 objectives for his nation, whereas Jhon Duran of Aston Villa has additionally impressed. Nonetheless, the type of James Rodriguez has been a priority.
Ecuador, however, are unbeaten of their final 4 matches, together with a 4-0 thrashing of Bolivia of their earlier recreation.
Gonzalo Plata netted a brace, whereas veteran striker Enner Valencia and Alan Minda additionally obtained on the scoresheet.
The Tricolor have the most effective defensive file within the group, conceding simply 4 objectives in 11 matches.
Colombia’s current type has been inconsistent, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and a pair of losses of their final 5 matches. The defeat in opposition to Uruguay was significantly heartbreaking, as they conceded a late winner after leveling the scores within the 96th minute.
Ecuador, in the meantime, are in good type, with 3 wins and a pair of attracts of their earlier 5 outings.
Head-to-Head
The 2 groups have met 49 instances of their historical past, with Colombia holding a slight benefit. They’ve received 23 matches, whereas Ecuador have received 13, with 13 attracts.
Of their final 5 encounters, Colombia have received 2, Ecuador have received 1, and there was 2 attracts.
Workforce Information
Colombia haven’t any new harm considerations following the Uruguay match, and head coach Lorenzo is anticipated to call an unchanged aspect.
Ecuador will welcome again Moises Caicedo from suspension, and he’s more likely to function in midfield alongside Plata, Valencia, and Minda.
Predicted Beginning Line-ups
Colombia:(4-3-1-2)
Vargas;
Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica;
Rios, Portilla, Arias;
Quintero;
Duran, Diaz
Ecuador: (4-5-1)
Galindez;
Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie, Estupinan;
Yeboah, Plata, Caicedo, Vite, Minda;
Valencia
Prediction
This guarantees to be a good and carefully contested affair between two evenly matched groups.
Ecuador’s defensive solidity and the goal-scoring menace of Enner Valencia make them a tricky opponent, however Colombia’s attacking firepower, led by Diaz and Duran, might show to be the distinction.
In the end, a draw appears the almost certainly final result, as each groups look to safe a useful level of their quest for World Cup qualification.
- Rating Prediction: Colombia 1-1 Ecuador
Betting Suggestions
– Match Outcome: Draw
– Over/Below 2.5 Objectives: Below
– First Goalscorer: Enner Valencia
– Each Groups to Rating: Sure
