Argentina vs Ecuador Predicted Lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast | Copa America 2024

The winner of the match will book their ticket for the semi-finals

With a dream to achieve a record 16 Copa America titles, the Argentina football team are set to clash with Ecuador in the first quarter-final. The defending champions are having an all-win run in the ongoing tournament, having won in style against group A opponents Canada, Chile & Peru.

Ecuador on the other hand have managed to survive in Group B, winning against Jamaica, drawing with Mexico & facing a defeat to leaders Venezuela. La Tricolor have earned a hard-fought entry into the top eights after drawing with Mexico and getting past by a whisker in goal difference.

All eyes will be locked to see if the defending champions have it easy or if the opponents manage to shock the formidable world champions and get past them.

Kick-Off:

Friday, 5 July at 2:00 AM UK

Friday, 5 July at 6:30 AM IST

Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Form

Argentina (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Ecuador (in all competitions): D-W-L-W-W

Players to Watch:

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

The great will surely start the game for his nation in the quarters after being on the bench (with injury) in the last group game with qualification confirmed. Messi is yet to score in Copa America 2024, having played in the first two games entirely, providing assists, and creating chances but not finding the back of the net.

His side & fans will expect him to show his magical skills in the knock-out game and score too. His role to cater to young Julian Alvarez & veteran Di Maria will be extremely valuable for the side to dominate.

Willian Pacho (Ecuador)

The 1.87m young defender has been a consistent performer in the team’s backline. He has played entire minutes in all three group games for Ecuador. His ability to dispose of any threat will be a huge bonus when facing the dangerous Argentine attack.

Pacho is also renowned for his error-free defending & clean tackles. He hasn’t been booked for once in the ongoing tournament.

Match Facts:

• Argentina are yet to concede a goal in Copa America 2024.
• Argentina have won all their games in the ongoing competition.
• Ecuador’s biggest loss in history came against Argentina when they lost by 12 goals on 22 January 1942.

Argentina vs Ecuador: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Argentina to win this game – 1.45 odds with Bet365
• Tip 2: Over 2.25 goals in this game – 2.08 odds with Dafabet
• Tip 3: Both teams to score – 2.54 odds with 1XBet

Injury & Team News

Lionel Scaloni had made a number of changes in matchday 3, having already secured a quarter’s berth. His regular players are expected to start again in the knock-out game.

Ecuador displayed quality football in the last game. So, not much is expected to change with a full squad to choose from. However, Yeboah might start the game.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 40

Argentina wins – 24

Ecuador wins – 5

Draws – 11

Predicted Lineup

Argentina predicted lineup (4-4-2)

E. Martinez (GK); Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez: De Paul, Di Maria; Messi, Alvarez

Ecuador predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Dominguez (GK) ; Preciado, Torres, Pacho, Hincapie; Franco, M. Caicedo; Yeboah, Paez, Sarmiento; Valencia

Match Prediction for Argentina vs Ecuador

Defending champions Argentina are expected to win this match comfortably. Argentina have beaten Ecuador in the last friendly encounter before the kick-off of the tournament. Argentina are having an all-win run while Ecuador have struggled.

Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Ecuador

Telecast for Argentina vs Ecuador

UK: Premier Sports

USA: FOX Sports, TUDN

Australia: Optus Sports

India: No Telecast

Nigeria: Sportitalia

Canada: TSN, RDS

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