Argentina Vs Ecuador
Argentina Vs Ecuador Friday 9 October 2020 – 01:10 (GMT)
CONMEBOL World Cup Qualification
Pick: Argentina & Over 2.5 Goals
Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Betway
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 6 October 2020)
Preview: The journey to qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar begins this week for South American sides. First up for Lionel Messi and Argentina is a home fixture with Ecuador, who were 1-0 victors on their latest visit to Buenos Aires for a World Cup qualifier.
FIFA World Cup Qualifying Betting at Bet365
Table of Contents
Argentina Preview – The goals are suddenly coming easy?
La Albiceleste have been out of action for the best part of twelve months, which is a shame for Lionel Scaloni, the coach who had overseen an upturn in performances prior to international football being shelved for most of 2020. Four wins and no losses recorded since their controversial 2-0 semi-final defeat in the 2019 Copa America to Brazil does, however, mean they kick-off World Cup qualifying in good shape.
Some of the standout results included wins against Brazil, with a 1-0 win going some way to avenging that aforementioned loss, as well as thrashings of both Mexico (4-0) and Ecuador (6-1). The latter of those they meet again on Friday. Arguably the most telling display, though, came inside Signal Iduna Park versus the Germans, whose 2-0 half-time lead was cut down to size after the break in a 2-2 draw in Dortmund.
They would also produce a spirited effort in their most recent friendly with Uruguay, albeit that being nearly a year ago, after twice coming from a goal behind to earn another 2-2 draw following Lionel Messi’s 92nd minute penalty. That was also the fourth match in five in which Argentina had hit the back of the net on at least two occasions – an impressive feat considering Messi was absent for all but the last two.
Ecuador Preview – Valencia to extend purple patch?
La Tricolor wouldn’t even make it out of their group at last year’s Copa America, bowing out with a solitary point to show for their efforts. That sole point came in somewhat ironic circumstances, in a 1-1 draw with Japan who were there competing as one of two non-South American representatives. Meanwhile, they haven’t been seen in action since losing narrowly to Colombia last November over in the United States.
Yet performances would improve in the fall of 2019. Recording three friendly wins in five such games following on from their rather forgettable appearance at the Copa America in Brazil. Bolivia (3-0), Peru (0-1) and Trinidad & Tobago (3-0) among the teams Ecuador beat, sandwiching a demoralising 6-1 defeat to an Argentina side that didn’t feature Lionel Messi but almost certainly will on Friday.
Former West Ham striker Enner Valencia claimed a consolation in that aforementioned encounter, taking his recent tally while wearing the vibrant colours of Ecuador to three in five games. Two of those, however, were from the spot. Though he may rate his chances of breaching an Argentine defence that has kept only one clean sheet in its past four matches.
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Argentina Vs Ecuador Betting Advice
In a repeat of their November friendly in 2019, which produced seven goals in a 6-1 scoreline in favour of Argentina, these two teams reconvene in Buenos Aires only this time there are three vital points at stake. The hosts are the favourites, and deservedly so on account of their improved form, the return of Lionel Messi and the fact Ecuador had, up until fairly recently, found victories hard to come by.
Argentina Vs Ecuador – Key Facts
- La Albiceleste are currently on a seven-game unbeaten run (W4 D3), stretching back to a 2-0 Copa America semi-final defeat to Brazil in July 2019.
- La Tricolor have won three of their last five matches (W3 L2). However, those were also their only wins in their past twelve internationals (W3 D3 L6).
- Ecuador have won one of the last eight meetings (W1 D3 L4) with Argentina, who were emphatic 6-1 victors when these teams clashed in a November friendly in 2019.
Neither has featured in around twelve months. It were the Argentines who exhibited the superior form towards the end of 2019, though, with a seven-game unbeaten run (W4 D3). Ecuador can claim to have won three of their last five, however, those were also their only wins in their last twelve internationals (W3 D3 L6). They were also well beaten on neutral soil when these teams met a year ago – and that was without Messi on the pitch.
Best Betting Odds – Argentina Vs Ecuador
Argentina – 1/3 (BetFred)
Draw – 4/1 (Unibet)
Ecuador – 9/1 (Betfair)
