The Estadio Monumental is the venue for Carlo Ancelotti’s baptism as Brazil boss on Thursday night, as he takes his side to face Ecuador in World Cup qualifying.
The Legendary Italian manager has been drafted in to lead Brazil to next year’s World Cup after Dorival Junior was dismissed following a humbling 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Argentina last time out.
Despite that body blow, the fourth-placed Selecao are still looking well placed to punch their ticket to next year’s showpiece.
That being said, new Brazil boss Ancelotti can expect a stern test when his side meet Ecuador on matchday 15.
Sebastian Beccacece’s side are currently two places and two points above their star-studded guests in the South American World Cup qualifying standings.
Last time out, Ecuador extended their unbeaten run to seven matches with a hard-fought 0-0 draw away at Chile.
How the bookies view it: Carlo to start cooking
The Bookmakers odds suggest Brazil will hit the ground running under new boss Ancelotti, with an away win on offer at 23/20 with Boylesports.
Ecuador are unfancied 12/5 outsiders on Boylesports, while the draw is also deemed unlikely at 2/1 with the same firm.
Head to head: Selecao seeking repeat
Brazil have triumphed in 11 of the overall 17 meetings between the two nations, including a 1-0 success in last year’s reverse fixture. The same scoreline and outcome in Tarqui is trading at 5/1 on Boylesports.
Players to watch: Moises to overstep the mark?
Moises Caicedo has been shown a yellow card in three of his last five appearances for Ecuador, making him a prime candidate to collect another caution against what is a top-heavy Brazil team at 13/5 on Bet 365.
Fresh off the back of the best season of his career, Raphinha stands out for either a goal or an assist during this contest at 13/10 with Bet 365.
Predicted line-ups
Ecuador boss Beccacece has no fresh injury issues to contend with and therefore could stick with the same set of players that have led the hosts to second place in the table.
New Brazil boss Ancelotti has brought Antony, Casemiro and Richarlison back into the squad, however he will be unable to call upon the services of injured trio Eder Militao, Neymar and Rodrygo.
Ecuador: Galindez; Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie, Estupinan; Preciado, Vite, Caicedo, Franco, Plata; Valencia
Brazil: Alisson; Vanderson, Danilo, Marquinhos, Carlos Augusto; Bruno Guimaraes, Gerson; Raphinha, Cunha, Vinicius Junior; Richarlison
Anything else catch the eye?
With Brazil expected to dictate the tempo of what could be a tight and cagey game, a minimum of five corners from the visitors looks well within range at 4/5 on Bet 365.
The Selecao have covered the 5+ corner line in four of their last seven qualifiers, and they should be extra motivated to impress under new management.
As for Ecuador, they conceded five corners in their recent clash with Colombia, further suggesting that Brazil can follow suit.
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