Having already secured passage to the 2026 World Cup, Argentina can use their CONMEBOL qualifying clash against hosts Ecuador on Tuesday as preparation for the upcoming tournament.
Ecuador will welcome the world champions to Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha, and they have also qualified for the competition in North America next summer, but they will still want to test their metal against Lionel Messi's Argentina.
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Ecuador vs Argentina prediction: Defensive powerhouse to be tested by the world champions
Key stats
- Ecuador have remarkably kept nine clean sheets in their last 10 games, drawing their last four matches 0-0, while settling for goalless stalemates five times overall in that period.
- Argentina have prevented their opponents from scoring in six of their nine most recent outings, with the only conceding one goal in each of the three match they did not keep a clean sheet in.
- La Albiceleste's form in the final third is much stronger than their hosts, who have scored one or fewer goals in 11 of their past 13, whereas the visitors have netted in each of their last 22 fixtures.
Correct score prediction: Ecuador 1-1 Argentina
Considering that both sides boast excellent defensive records, as well as the fact that both have qualified for the World Cup, it would not be surprising if both Ecuador and Argentina shook hands on a draw.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Argentina seen as favourites by the bookmakers
- HOME: 21/10 (3.1) – 32.3%
- DRAW: 2/1 (3) – 33.3%
- AWAY: 29/20 (2.45) – 40.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Argentina are the expected winner of this clash, with a probability of 40.8%, but the bookmakers would not be surprised if Ecuador managed to take either one or three points considering they have a win probability of 32.3%.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Argentina boast a strong record
When including penalty shootouts, Argentina have won their last three encounters with Ecuador, and have won seven of their past eight with their hosts.
Clashes between the two sides have been relatively low scoring, with neither side scoring more than once in their past four.
Copa America 05/07/24
Argentina
Ecuador
International Match 10/06/24
Argentina
Ecuador
South America - World Cup Qualifying 08/09/23
Argentina
Ecuador
South America - World Cup Qualifying 30/03/22
Ecuador
Argentina
Copa America 04/07/21
Argentina
Ecuador
Ecuador preview: Difficult to beat and exceptional defence
Though Ecuador head into Tuesday's clash on the back of four stalemates, they are unbeaten in 10 in all competitions, winning on three occasions.
Piero Hincapie can be expected to be stationed in the middle of a back four alongside Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Willian Pacho.
Predicted lineup: Galindez (GK), Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie, Estupinan, Franco, Alcivar, Vite, Paez, Angulo & Valencia
Last five results:
- Paraguay 0-0 Ecuador
- Peru 0-0 Ecuador
- Ecuador 0-0 Brazil
- Chile 0-0 Ecuador
- Ecuador 2-1 Venezuela
Argentina preview: Outstanding form from the World Cup winners
Argentina will be confident of earning a positive result on Tuesday given they are undefeated in six matches, emerging as victors on five occasions.
Captain Lionel Messi will not be part of the XI as he has been given more time to rest after only recently returning from injury, so perhaps Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez will lead the visitors' attack.
Predicted lineup: Martinez (GK), Molina, Balerdi, Otamendi, Tagliafico, Gonzalez, De Paul, Paredes, Almada, Martinez & Alvarez
Last five results:
- Argentina 3-0 Venezuela
- Argentina 1-1 Colombia
- Chile 0-1 Argentina
- Argentina 4-1 Brazil
- Uruguay 0-1 1-2 Argentina
Player to watch: Julian Alvarez
Argentina's Julian Alvarez has often had to provide the energy for Lionel Messi to shine, and while that helped his nation win the World Cup in 2022, he will have the opportunity to shine on against Ecuador.
The Atletico Madrid striker has scored two goals and registered two assists in his five most recent games for Argentina, and he could add to his tally on Tuesday.