Prediction: Ecuador vs Brazil

Verdict: Brazil win

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

Turning their attention back to qualifying for this year’s World Cup finals, Brazil will make the trip to the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado on Thursday night when they meet Ecuador.

Ecuador

Starting with the hosts, while Ecuador might have endured a torrid run of form back in 2018 during their World Cup qualifying adventure, La Tricolor have continued to impress this time around. Last seen on competitive duties putting in a stellar display as they landed a 2-0 win against Chile on foreign soil, Gustavo Alfaro’s men find themselves sat in pole position to clinch a spot at this year’s finals out in the Middle East. Opening up Thursday’s contest at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado sat third in the table, the Yellows have continued to gain a reputation for their success on home soil. In fact, Ecuador have lost just one of their last nine home fixtures since 2019, a run highlighted by victories against the likes of Colombia and Uruguay. However, although they might have snatched a point when they faced off against Brazil seven months ago, Alfaro’s side have failed to win any of their last 11 straight meetings against the South American giants.

Team News

Ecuador have already confirmed that the duo of Fernando Leon and Gustavo Vallecilla will miss out on Thursday night due to injury issues.

However, former West Ham and Everton forward Enner Valencia should lead La Tricolor’s charge here.

Brazil

As for the visitors, opening up last year’s qualifying run as a standout pick to book their spot at the upcoming World Cup finals, Brazil have certainly lived up to their billing. Last seen on November 16th when playing out a 0-0 stalemate away at fellow South American giants Argentina, Head Coach Tite finds his side holding a commanding six-point buffer at the top of the table. Appearing to have put last year’s Copa America heartbreak behind them, the Seleção are now enjoying a seven-match unbeaten run across all formats. With their run highlighted by a thumping 4-1 win against Uruguay in Manaus, Brazil have continued to shine with their performances at the back. In fact, along with shipping just a single strike in over 400 minutes of action, it should also be noted that Thursday’s guests have conceded just four goals in any of their 13 qualifying matchups. Holding a rampant record against Ecuador over recent years, the Yellows will be looking to mark their return to action with a statement here.

Team News

In what was a shock announcement last week, veteran defender Dani Alves has been called up by Tite at the age of 39.

Likewise, Real Madrid’s 21-year-old attacking pair Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo have also been named in the 26-man squad.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Thursday’s opponents last faced off seven months ago, they played out a 1-1 draw.
• However, Brazil are unbeaten in each of their last 11 meetings against Ecuador.
• The Tricolor have lost just one of their last nine home fixtures since 2019.
• Brazil have conceded just four goals in any of their 13 qualifying matchups.
• Five of the last six meetings between Ecuador and Brazil have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

Appearing to storm their way to this year’s World Cup finals, Brazil will be looking to open 2022 with a statement on foreign soil. Holding a six-point buffer at the top of the table and bouncing back from their Copa America defeat at the hands of Argentina, Thursday’s guests are enjoying an eye-catching run of form. Continuing to impress with their displays at the back, Tite’s men will be boosted by a stellar record against the Tricolor. While Ecuador might have picked up a point when the two sides faced off seven months ago, they have now failed to win any of their last 11 straight meetings against the South American giants.

Verdict: Brazil win

Best Odds: 13/10

Bookmaker: Unibet