Brazil will be looking to jump-start their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying campaign as they host Ecuador on Saturday.
The Brazilians have struggled to find their best form lately but with Ecuador not particularly convincing as well, they will fancy their chances at home.
Brazil's qualifying campaign has been difficult. The five-time world champions are currently sixth in the standings. In their previous fixture, Argentina beat Brazil 1- 0.
Beyond the World Cup qualifiers, things have generally been rough for Brazil, who failed to make it past the quarter-finals of this year’s Copa America. While things have not been smooth for Dorival Junior’s men lately, their only defeat in the last eight matches was a penalty shoot-out loss to Uruguay at the Copa.
Ecuador are only slightly better than Brazil at the moment as they sit just one point above La Selecao on the standings. Sebastian Beccacece’s men have also picked up two wins, one of which came in their previous fixture as they triumphed 1-0 over Chile.
The Ecuadorians also found things difficult at the Copa America as they crashed in the quarter-finals. They picked up just one win from four matches at the tournament and head into Sunday’s clash with two straight draws.
How the bookies view it: Brazil still favoured
Despite their recent struggles, Brazil are still considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a win priced at 4/11 by Betfred. A victory for Ecuador is valued at 13/2 by Betfred, who is also offering 16/5 for a draw.
Head to head: Brazil too strong
Brazil have an 11-2 advantage with four draws from 17 previous matches against Ecuador. While the last two meetings have ended in 1-1 draws, the Brazilians have won two of the last three home matches in World Cup qualifiers.
Players to watch: Brazilian attack to deliver
Brazil have quality in attack and will look to Real Madrid trio of Endrick, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior to provide the spark. All three men can ensure the hosts produce over 1.5 goals at 4/7 with Betfred.
Led by captain Enner Valencia, Ecuador can also hold their own going forward. With support from Kendry Paez and Jeremy Sarmiento, the Ecuadorians could be backed to produce over 0.5 goals at 10/11 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Casemiro and Richarlison have been left out of the Brazil squad again while Neymar remains out injured. Endrick could lead the line for the Brazilians with Lucas Paqueta likely to feature in midfield.
Captain Valencia is expected to lead the Ecuadorian attack with Sarmiento and Paez providing support. Moises Caicedo should start in midfield while Willian Pacho is set to feature at the back.
Brazil: Alisson, Danilo, Eder Militao, Marquinhos, Wendell, Joao Gomes, Bruno Guimaraes, Paqueta, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Endrick
Ecuador: Dominguez, Hincapie, Pacho, Torres, Preciado, Gruezo, Franco, Caicedo, Paez, Sarmiento, Valencia
Anything else catch the eye?
Brazil and Ecuador have both been on target in their last two meetings and a repeat is priced at 11/10 with Betfred. Over 2.5 goals could also be considered at 5/6 by Betfred, who is also offering odds of 9/4 for over 3.5 goals.
Given the quality in Brazil’s attack, they could be backed to score in both halves at 5/4 with Betfred. A straight victory for the Brazilians is priced at minimal odds, so a win and over 2.5 goals could be considered at 6/5 with Betfred.
This World Cup match between Brazil and Ecuador will be played on Sep 7, 2024 and kick off at 02:00. Check below for our tipsters best Brazil vs Ecuador prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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