Prediction: Argentina vs Ecuador

Verdict: Argentina win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to keep up their recent charge heading into this month’s Copa America, Argentina will meet Ecuador at Soldier Field in the early hours of Monday.

Argentina

Starting with Argentina, making real history 18 months ago as they were crowned world champions for the first time since 1986, the South American icons find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Last seen during March’s international break storming their way to a 3-1 victory against Costa Rica, Lionel Scaloni’s men have only continued to shine since their World Cup success in the winter of 2022. In fact, along with collecting 15 points from their opening six World Cup qualifying appearances last year, Argentina have won 17 of their previous 17 matchups across all competitions. Signing off 2023 with a stellar 1-0 victory against arch-rivals Brazil, Scaloni’s camp will be looking to make another statement here.

Team News

Spearheading Argentina’s iconic World Cup success out in Qatar 18 months ago, seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi should feature in the early hours of Monday and will earn a 181st international cap here. Returning from a recent injury issue and featuring in all of Manchester United’s final three appearances last season, Lisandro Martinez has also been included in Scaloni’s squad.

With Scaloni potentially looking to make a handful of changes at Soldier Field, the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Marcos Acuna could be handed a chance from the start. Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will once again start between the sticks.

Ecuador

As for Ecuador, left hugely frustrated over in Qatar 18 months ago as they failed to book a World Cup knockout stage ticket, the Tricolors have largely impressed over recent times. However, last seen during March’s international break suffering a routine 2-0 defeat at the hands of reigning European champions Italy, Felix Sanchez’s men will be more than aware that they face another stern examination in the early hours of Monday. Opening their World Cup qualifying adventure with a 1-0 defeat against Argentina in Buenos Aires, they hold a nightmare record against their South American rivals. Without a win from any of their last six meetings, Ecuador are rightfully pencilled in as a major underdog here.

Team News

In what looks set to be a huge blow for Ecuador, the Tricolors have already confirmed that Brighton defender Pervis Estupinan will miss this month’s Copa America through an ankle injury. However, playing a crucial role as Bayer Leverkusen got their hands on a maiden Bundesliga crown last season, Piero Hincapie will start at the heart of Sanchez’s defence.

Set to make more history in the early hours of Monday, former West Ham striker Enner Valencia will spearhead Ecuador’s charge at Soldier Field will earn an 84th international cap.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Argentina and Ecuador last met back on September 8th, the reigning world champions picked up a 1-0 victory in Buenos Aires.
• La Albiceleste are unbeaten in all of their previous six meetings against Ecuador – a run that has seen them record five victories and a single draw.
• Including their iconic World Cup success 18 months ago, Argentina have won 17 of their last 18 matchups across all competitions.
• Ecuador have drawn a blank in three of their previous five appearances across all formats.
• The Tricolors have recorded just a single goal from any of their last four meetings against Argentina.

Conclusion

Only continuing on what has been a stunning fairytale since their World Cup success 18 months ago, Argentina will simply be looking to make another statement here. Winning 17 of their previous 18 appearances across all competitions, the South American giants will also be excited by a rampant record against Monday’s opponents. Likewise, landing a 1-0 win when they last met Ecuador in World Cup qualifying duties on September 8th, we are expecting a similar outcome at Soldier Field.

Verdict: Argentina win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Olympusbet