Brazil have been very disappointing in the World Cup qualifiers so far, picking up just seven points from their opening six matches.
Saturday's guests Ecuador actually sit a point above Brazil as things stand and have only lost once in qualifying so far.
Contents
Brazil vs Ecuador prediction: Possible stalemate on the cards?
Key Stats
- Four of Brazil's last five matches have ended in draws after 90 minutes.
- Ecuador's last two matches both ended in stalemates.
- Under 2.5 goals have been produced in four of Brazil's last five outings.
- Five of the last six head-to-heads between Brazil and Ecuador have witnessed fewer than three goals.
Correct score prediction: Brazil 1-1 Ecuador
The last two meetings between these two nations have ended 1-1 and with the hosts drawing four of their last six outings 1-1 or 0-0 and Ecuador's last two games ending the same way, a 1-1 draw could be on the cards this weekend.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Brazil the overwhelming favourite
- HOME: 5/12 (1.42) – 70.6%
- DRAW: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%
- AWAY: 33/4 (9.25) – 10.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Brazil are the expected winner of this game with a probability of 70.6%, but we are predicting a close and competitive 90 minutes in Curitiba.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Brazil lead
Saturday's hosts have won three and drawn two of their last five encounters with Ecuador with the duo's last meeting ending in a 1-1 draw back in 2022.
South America - World Cup Qualifying 27/01/22
Ecuador
Brazil
Copa America 27/06/21
Brazil
Ecuador
South America - World Cup Qualifying 05/06/21
Brazil
Ecuador
South America - World Cup Qualifying 01/09/17
Brazil
Ecuador
South America - World Cup Qualifying 01/09/16
Ecuador
Brazil
Brazil preview: Conceding too easily
Dorival Junior's side sit sixth in the World Cup qualifying table after six games which simply isn't good enough for a country that arguably has the best talent available.
Having lost half of their qualifiers so far, a big issue for Brazil has been conceding goals with Junior's team letting in the third-highest amount (7) so far. Goal scoring hasn't been the problem as Brazil are equal second with Argentina for goals scored with eight.
With Richarlison, Gabriel Jesus and Neymar not getting a call-up, West Ham's Lucas Paqueta is the top scorer in the side with 11 international goals. Both Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo need to start scoring more goals for their country if Brazil are going to reach their true potential.
Predicted lineup: Alisson (GK), Danilo, Marquinhos, Arana, Militao, Guimaraes, Paqueta, Gomes, Junior, Rodrygo & Endrick
South America - World Cup Qualifying 07/09/24
W
Ecuador
0
Brazil
1
Copa America 07/07/24
L
Uruguay
0 (4)
Brazil
0 (2)
Copa America 03/07/24
D
Colombia
1
Brazil
1
Copa America 29/06/24
W
Paraguay
1
Brazil
4
Copa America 25/06/24
D
Costa Rica
0
Brazil
0
Ecuador preview: A tough nut to crack
Ecuador are going well in the qualifiers so far, only losing once in six games.
While they might not have a lot of goals in them, with just five scored so far, Ecuador have only conceded three times giving them the joint-second best defensive record.
Regular goalkeeper Alexander Domínguez, defender Cristian Ramírez and midfielder Gonzalo Plata are not available for the trip to Brazil.
Predicted lineup: Galíndez (GK), Torres, Pacho, Hincapie, Gruezo, Franco, Preciado, Caicedo, Paez, E. Valencia & Sarmiento
South America - World Cup Qualifying 07/09/24
L
Brazil
1
Ecuador
0
Copa America 05/07/24
L
Argentina
1 (4)
Ecuador
1 (2)
Copa America 01/07/24
D
Mexico
0
Ecuador
0
Copa America 26/06/24
W
Jamaica
1
Ecuador
3
Copa America 22/06/24
L
Venezuela
2
Ecuador
1
Player to watch: Lucas Paqueta
Lucas Paqueta is our player to watch for Brazil this weekend as the West Ham midfielder provides a goal threat as well as creativity for his team.
Paqueta, 27, has played 50 times for Brazil scoring 11 goals and with some key attacking players missing from the current Brazil squad, not even Vinicius Junior has scored as many goals in this Brazil side.
The West Ham midfielder has scored more international goals than any player in the current Brazil squad
We're backing Paqueta to put in another top performance for Brazil this weekend but we're not convinced that it will be enough to win the game.
