Argentina vs Ecuador: Preview, Prediction and Team News | Int’l Friendlies

Preview

Argentina vs Ecuador will take place at the Soldier Field in Chicago as an International Friendly on June 10 as the two South American sides gear up to face-off.

The hosts will enter this contest on the back of a great run of form. They have lost just once in their last eight games across competitions, winning each of the other seven games. In that time, La Albiceleste scored 14 goals and conceded just three, as they kept an impressive six clean sheets in the process. They defeated Costa Rica 3-1 back in March and will look to carry this momentum into the upcoming Copa America 2024.

The visitors, on the other hand, will enter this game on the back of a mixed run of form. They have suffered just two defeats in their last eight games across competitions, winning four and drawing two of the remaining six games. In that span, Ecuador netted just seven goals and conceded five as they looked to maximise their attacking output. Their last game was a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Italy away from home as they looked to bounce back in the next one with a win.

With that said, let’s take a look at the team news coming out of both camps.

Argentina vs Ecuador Team News

Argentina

Manager Lionel Scaloni named his 29-man provisional squad back in May, with most of the stars including Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Lautaro Martinez, Emi Martinez and Cristian Romero.

Three players from the whole list will be released from the camp ahead of Copa America, which gives Scaloni plenty of time to pick his options by seeing them play. This could result in him naming a lineup mixed with experience along with some fresh faces.

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Ecuador

Coach Felix Sanchez Bas will stick with the same core group he has used in friendlies and such over the past year or so. Pervis Estupinan will continue captaining the side after his impressive couple of seasons since joining Brighton & Hove Albion.

Predicted Lineups

Argentina

Scaloni is likely to field a strong lineup so everyone can see how they feel and where they stand in terms of their preparations.

Predicted XI: Emiliano Martinez (GK); Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Giovani Lo Celso, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Lionel Messi (C), Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria.

Ecuador

Sanchez will also name the same starting XIs he used in the friendlies not more than a month ago.

Predicted XI: Javier Burrai (GK); Felix Torres, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapie; Angelo Preciado, Alan Franco, Moises Caicedo, Pervis Estupinan (C); Alan Minda, Gonzalo Plata, Jeremy Sarmiento.

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Head-to-Head Record

These two sides have met at least once a year on average for the last couple of decades or so. However, Argentina has the upper hand in recent head-to-heads as they have won four of the last five meetings between the two. The one other game was a draw between the two teams.

Last 5 Games

• Argentina 1-0 Ecuador
• Ecuador 1-1 Argentina
• Argentina 3-0 Ecuador
• Argentina 1-0 Ecuador
• Argentina 6-1 Ecuador

Argentina vs Ecuador Prediction

Going by recent history, Argentina are the clear favourites to win this game. This match will be played at a neutral venue in the USA, so neither team will have an outright advantage. However, one can expect a huge crowd to cheer La Albiceleste on, especially since superstar Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami recently.

Argentina also have the stronger team on paper and will be expected to get on the scoresheet at least once or twice. They are defensively solid and will not concede easily.

Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Ecuador.

Betting Tips & Odds

Three of the last five meetings between Argentina and Ecuador have not seen both teams score, with La Albiceleste doing their absolute best defensively in each game they play. Additionally, just two of the last five meetings have seen three or more goals being scored overall. However, the next game could see some fireworks, albeit all from the home support.

Tips

• Both Teams to Score – No: 1.76
• Match Total – Over 2.5 Goals: 2.01
• To Score in Both Halves: Argentina: 2.57

Match Odds

• Argentina Win: 1.57
• Draw: 4.15
• Ecuador Win: 6.35

When and Where to Watch Argentina vs Ecuador?

Q. When to watch Argentina vs Ecuador live?

A. The match will kick-off at 12 midnight on Sunday, June 9 (GMT).

Q. Where will the game be streamed in India?

A. The match will be streamed on SonyLIV app and website.

Q. Where will the match be streamed in the UK?

A. The match will be available on Premier Sports.

Q. Where will the match be available in the US?

A. The match will be streamed on fuboTV.

Q. Where to watch Argentina vs Ecuador live in Argentina?

A. The match will be streamed on DAZN.

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