ARGENTINA begin preparations for their Copa America title defence as they face Ecuador in a friendly on Monday. The Argentines have been nearly unstoppable lately and should have too much quality for Ecuador.
It has been an excellent couple of years for Argentina, who are the current holders of the World Cup and Copa America. Lionel Scaloni's men are gearing up to defend their South American title and will be keen to build some momentum before the tournament begins on June 20.
Argentina have been nearly unstoppable in recent times and have won 11 of their last 12 matches. That fine form has been driven by a solid defence that has kept 10 clean sheets in that run.
Ecuador have been solid enough in recent times, suffering just two defeats in their last 10 matches across all competitions. They have picked up six wins in that run and will be feeling confident ahead of Monday’s clash.
The problem for Ecuador is that one of their defeats on that run was a 1-0 loss to Argentina in a World Cup qualifying clash back in September. Felix Sanchez’ men also suffered a 2-0 defeat to Italy in their last friendly fixture.
How the bookies view it: Ecuador ranked outsiders
Argentina have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 8/15 by bet365. An unlikely victory for Ecuador is valued at 9/2 while a draw is set at odds at 11/4.
Head to head: Smooth sailing for Argentina
Argentina have a 12-3 advantage with six draws from 21 previous matches against Ecuador. The reigning world champions claimed a 1-0 victory over the Ecuadorians in a World Cup qualifying fixture last September.
Players to watch: No answers for Messi
Lionel Messi remains as influential as ever for Argentina and will be the one to watch on Monday having scored six goals in the last seven matches against Ecuador. With the likes of Julian Alvarez and Angel Di Maria also in attack, the World champions could be backed to produce over 1.5 goals at 8/11 with bet365.
Argentina also have plenty of quality at the back with the likes of Cristiano Romero, Lisandro Martinez and the experienced Nicolas Otamendi all available. Having kept 10 clean sheets in the last 12 matches, the Argentines could be set for a repeat at 11/10 by bet365.
Probable line-ups
Julian Alvarez is likely to lead the line for Argentina while Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi could also feature. Cristian Romero could feature in central defence while Nicolas Tagliafico should play at left-back.
Captain Enner Valencia should lead the line for Ecuador once again while Moises Caicedo is set to feature in midfield.
Argentina: Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, De Paul, Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Messi, Di Maria, Alvarez
Ecuador: Dominguez, Hincapie, Pacho, Torres, Caicedo, Franco, Preciado, Loor, Sarmiento, Minda, Valencia
Anything else catch the eye?
Argentina have won to nil in 10 of their last 12 matches and could be set for a repeat at 6/4 by bet365. Given the quality in their attack, a -1 handicap could also be considered at 6/4 with bet365.
With Argentina likely to flex their attacking muscles, they could be backed to score in both halves at 13/8 with bet365. The Argentines could also be backed to win both halves at 3/1 with bet365.
This International Friendly match between Argentina and Ecuador will be played on Jun 10, 2024 and kick off at 00:00. Check below for our tipsters best Argentina vs Ecuador prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
