ECUADOR and Bolivia square off in an international friendly on Thursday as both teams continue preparations for the Copa America. The Ecuadorians often do well in this fixture and should have the upper hand once again.
Ecuador are coming off a 1-0 defeat to world and Copa American champions Argentina last time out. That was the second straight defeat for Felix Sanchez's men, who were beaten 2-0 by Italy in their previous fixture.
The good news for Ecuador is that they had been on a six-match unbeaten run prior to those two defeats. They had claimed four wins in that run, including a 2-1 victory over Bolivia in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers.
Bolivia are also coming off a 1-0 defeat as they were beaten by Mexico in their previous fixture. They struggled to get going throughout the encounter and could only muster just one attempt on target.
The Bolivians are generally considered one of the weakest teams in South America and have picked up just two wins in their last 12 matches. Antonio Carlos Zago’s men have suffered nine defeats in that run.
How the bookies view it: Ecuador to triumph
Ecuador have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 2/7 by bet365 to find the net on Thursday. A victory for Bolivia is valued at 7/1 while a draw is set at odds of 17/4.
Head to head: Bolivia always falls short
Ecuador have only lost once to Bolivia, claiming 16 wins and two draws from 19 previous matches. The most recent meeting was a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier back in October which ended 2-1 in favour of the Ecuadorians.
Players to watch: Valencia to show quality
Enner Valencia often features in attack for Ecuador and will be the one to watch on Thursday. The striker has three goals in the last three matches against Bolivia and playing alongside Angel Mena, could lead the Ecuadorians to over 1.5 goals at 1/2 with bet365.
Rodrigo Ramallo will be the one tasked with providing the spark in attack for Bolivia. The forward has two goals in the last four meetings with Ecuador and with Algaranaz also in attack, the Bolivians could be backed to produce over 0.5 goals at evens with bet365.
Probable line-ups
Enner Valencia was a second half substitute for Ecuador against Argentina and should return to the starting line-up on Thursday. Angel Mena is also likely to feature from the start after coming off the bench last time out.
Rodrigo Ramallo was not part of the squad that lost to Mexico but should be included in the starting line up for Bolivia on Thursday. Cesar Menacho is also expected to lead the line.
Ecuador: Galindez, Preciado, Torres, Pacho, Hincapie, Caicedo, Ortiz, Franco, Paez, Mena, Valencia
Bolivia: Lampe, Rocha, Quinteros, Sagredo, Sagredo, Saucedo, Justinano, Chavez, Vaca Ramallo, Algaranaz
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams were on target in their previous meeting and a repeat could be considered at 11/8 by bet365. That fixture also produced over 2.5 goals which is priced at 11/8 while over 3.5 goals is valued at 2/1.
Ecuador are priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, a win and over 2.5 goals could be considered at evens with bet365. With the Ecuadorians expected to be dominant on Thursday, they could be backed to score in both halves at 11/10 by bet365.
This International Friendly match between Ecuador and Bolivia will be played on Jun 13, 2024 and kick off at 01:30. Check below for our tipsters best Ecuador vs Bolivia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
USA V BRAZIL
BRAZIL SCORE IN BOTH HALVES 10/11
ECUADOR V BOLIVIA
ECUADOR SCORE IN BOTH HALVES 11/10
Singles
Double 3/1