IT is a winner takes all clash as Mexico and Ecuador square off in their final Group B fixture at the Copa America. The Ecuadorians were impressive last time out and carrying that momentum into Monday’s clash, should have the upper hand over Mexico.
Mexico failed to build on their victory in the opening fixture as they were beaten 1-0 by Venezuela last time out. They are now third in Group B and need a win in Monday’s clash to progress to the quarter-finals.
While manager Jaime Lozano will be disappointed with that defeat, the result is consistent with Mexico’s recent form. They have lost three of their last four matches across all competitions.
Ecuador bounced back from the defeat in their opening fixture to claim a 3-1 victory over Jamaica last time out. A Kasey Palmer own-goal set them on their way, with efforts from Kendry Paez and Alan Minda sealing the win.
The task is clear for Ecuador ahead of Monday’s clash as they only need to avoid defeat to progress to the knockout stage. Manager Felix Sanchez will consider that opening defeat to Venezuela a one-off, especially with the early red card to Enner Valencia.
The Ecuadorians have now won three of their last four matches across all competitions and will be confident of claiming the upper hand on Monday.
How the bookies view it: Closely fought contest
The bookies appear to be anticipating a closely fought encounter with a win for Mexico priced at 13/8 by Betfred, who is also offering 8/5 for an Ecuador victory. A draw is set at odds of 2/1 with Betfred.
Head to head: Ecuador with recent edge
Mexico have a 12-3 advantage with five draws from 20 previous matches against Ecuador. However, the Ecuadorians have claimed two wins and a draw from the last four meetings.
Last five H2H duels:
- 06/06/2022 (International Friendly) – Mexico 0-0 Ecuador
- 28/10/2021 (International Friendly) – Mexico 2-3 Ecuador
- 10/06/2019 (International Friendly) – Mexico 3-2 Ecuador
- 19/06/2015 (Copa America) – Mexico 1-2 Ecuador
- 29/03/2015 (International Friendly) – Mexico 1-0 Ecuador
Players to watch: Valencia back on the haunt
Having served a suspension last time out, Enner Valencia should be well rested for Monday’s clash. The striker often gives Ecuador a buzz in attack and could be worth keeping an eye on to score anytime at 2/1 by Betfred.
Guillermo Martinez could be the one to watch for Mexico, who are likely to make a few changes on Monday. The striker was recently on target in matches against Brazil and Colombia and is priced at 13/5 by Betfred to get on the score sheet.
Probable line-ups
Having come off the bench in Mexico's two matches so far, Guillermo Martinez could be given the nod to partner Santiago Gimenez up front. Orbelin Pineda could also be handed a start after coming off the bench last time out.
Enner Valencia was suspended for the win over Jamaica and is expected to return on Monday. Alan Minda could also be handed a starting berth having scored off the bench in the previous fixture.
Mexico: Gonzalez, Sanchez, Montes, Vazquez, Arteaga Romo, Antuna, Pineda, Chavez, Gimenez, Martinez
Ecuador: Dominguez, Hincapie, Pacho, Torres, Preciado, Caicedo, Franco, Sarmiento, Paez, Minda, Valencia
Anything else catch the eye?
Ecuador saw over 3.5 goals in their previous fixture and a repeat is priced at 7/2 by Betfred. Over 2.5 goals is valued at 11/8 by Betfred, who are also offering evens on both teams to score.
The Ecuadorians have opened the scoring in their two Group B matches and could be backed to score first on Monday at evens with Betfred.
This Copa America match between Mexico and Ecuador will be played on Jul 1, 2024 and kick off at 01:00. Check below for our tipsters best Mexico vs Ecuador prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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