Ecuador will face Paraguay in Quito on Thursday in their ongoing CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying campaign. Despite a three-point deduction for administrative issues, Ecuador finds itself in one of the automatic qualification spots, ahead of big teams like Brazil.
Meanwhile, Paraguay, known for their defensive strength but low goal output, currently occupies the playoff spot and will be looking to build on their recent 1-0 victory over Brazil.
Ecuador’s Recent Form
Ecuador has had a steady start to the qualifiers, focusing on defensive solidity. They’ve kept it tight in all of their matches, with most being low-scoring affairs. They beat Peru 1-0 in their last outing, which followed a narrow 2-1 defeat to Brazil.
Despite the three-point penalty, they are in good shape to qualify, having only lost to Brazil and Argentina so far. They’ll aim to take advantage of playing in Quito, where the altitude gives them a significant home advantage.
Paraguay’s Recent Form
Paraguay has had a mixed qualifying campaign. They have the best defensive record in the tournament but have struggled to score goals, with only two in their eight matches.
They managed a huge upset by defeating Brazil 1-0, which keeps them in contention. Paraguay’s defense-first approach has seen most of their games end 0-0 or 1-0, including goalless draws in their last two away fixtures.
Team News
Ecuador:
Enner Valencia, who scored the winner against Peru, will be a key figure in Ecuador’s attack, bringing valuable experience. Moises Caicedo, one of Ecuador’s most promising talents, is also close to earning his 50th cap. Carlos Gruezo and Jhegson Mendez are notable absentees due to injury, while defensive mainstay Jackson Porozo has been left out. The team is expected to stick with the back three that helped them secure their last win.
Paraguay:
Paraguay’s top attacking players, Julio Enciso and Miguel Almiron, have had limited playing time with their clubs but remain central to Paraguay’s plans. Alvaro Campuzano misses out due to injury, and Blas Riveros has also been dropped from the squad. Paraguay will likely stick to their tried-and-tested defensive formula, aiming to frustrate Ecuador with their resilient setup.
Predicted Lineups
Ecuador:
- Galindez; Torres, Pacho, Hincapie; Preciado, Franco, Caicedo, Estupinan; Mercado, Valencia, Paez
Paraguay:
- Fernandez; Caceres, Balbuena, Alderete, Alonso; Villasanti, Bobadilla; Gomez, Enciso, Almiron; Pitta
Ecuador, with their home advantage and strong form, will be favorites to edge out Paraguay in what is likely to be a low-scoring, tightly contested game. Paraguay’s defensive approach could make it tough for Ecuador to break through, but Ecuador’s home form should see them take the three points.
Prediction: Ecuador 1-0 Paraguay
