Ecuador vs Jamaica Prediction: Copa America 2024

The 2024 Copa America group stage is well on its way and our very own South American expert Nathan Joyes has put together his early bird Ecuador vs Jamaica prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

Both nations suffered defeat in the opening round, as Ecuador threw away their 1-0 lead and will go to battle without striker and captain Enner Valencia. Jamaica’s Michail Antonio saw his goal ruled out, before Gerardo Arteaga’s wonderful striker sealed the victory for Mexico.

However, the heatwave in Vegas is going to play a significant role with temperatures of 40 degrees and above are expected.

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• Ecuador vs Jamaica Tip 1: Ecuador and under 4.5 goals

• Ecuador vs Jamaica Tip 2: Under 2.5 goals
• Ecuador vs Jamaica Tip 3: Kevin Rodriguez to score anytime

Ecuador vs Jamaica Prediction 1: Side with La Tri

USA, Copa America, Wednesday, June 26th, 23:00 (UK)

Ecuador’s 2-1 defeat against Venezuela has left them in a situation where they may require six points from their final two matches if they are to progress or top Group B. Enner Valencia’s controversial early dismissal inside 22 minutes left La Tri short, and although they took the lead, fatigue kicked in and Venezuela sensed blood.

Their opening 45 minutes was promising, and arguably the best football they have played under Felix Sanchez – a manager the fans haven’t warmed to. However, if they begin this match as they did vs Venezuela, Ecuador will be confident they can get three points on the board.

The Reggae Boyz matched Mexico but a quality strike from Arteaga showed how cruel knockout football can be. However, Mexico have been highly overrated heading into Copa America, and Ecuador are arguably stronger than their North American opponents.

If La Tri can get Kendry Paez on the ball, the future Chelsea bound player can dictate the tempo and pick his passes in the final third, unlocking Jamaica’s defence and restoring some level of order.

• Ecuador vs Jamaica Prediction 1: Ecuador and under 4.5 goals
• Best Odds: 1.77
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Ecuador vs Jamaica Prediction 2: The heat to cause problems

The main issue in this fixture will not be team tactics or who’s going to be operating in key positions. It’s going to be the burning sun. Due to the heatwave in certain regions of the US, Vegas is going to be scorching hot around 40 degrees during the day when this game is going to take place.

Ecuador have one of the best defences on paper heading into this tournament, and playing over 70 minutes in a hot climate vs Venezuela can arguably be put to one side. They are also missing Enner Valencia, and with their leading talisman sidelined, this only strengthens our second selection.

Jamaica will be heavily relying on Michail Antonio to get them on the board but if he lacks any kind of service, he’s in for a tough evening. At the age of 34, the West Ham forward will not be relishing the extremely warm conditions.

Plenty will be at stake, but this game is going to be boiling hot. Goals don’t appear to be the answer.

• Ecuador vs Jamaica Prediction 2: Under 2.5 goals
• Best Odds: 1.72
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Ecuador vs Jamaica Prediction 3: Rodriguez to deliver

For those who like a bet at a bigger price, Enner Valencia’s replacement has to be considered if Ecuador are to secure the three points.

Kevin Rodriguez is another player from Independiente del Valle’s impressive academy, who has also found himself in Europe having signed for Belgian club Royale Union SG.

His first season in Europe has been very much stop-start due to an injury which kept him out for a large part of the latter stages of the campaign just as he began to find his feet.

A handful of minutes against Bolivia and Honduras saw him earn a spot within the squad and he played more than he would have expected against Venezuela due to Valencia’s red card.

However, Rodriguez looked lively when he came on, and no doubt Felix Sanchez will trust him to lead the line. Although the conditions will be sweltering hot, Rodriguez may be one of few who can deal with the climate better than most, and he could prove to be the difference in Vegas.

• Ecuador vs Jamaica Prediction 3: Kevin Rodriguez to score anytime
• Best Odds: 1.95
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Ecuador vs Jamaica Prediction odds via bet365 as at 18:00, June 23rd, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Ecuador vs Jamaica Team News and Possible Lineups: No Valencia to contend with

Enner Valencia was controversially sent off inside 22 minutes against Venezuela, giving Felix Sanchez more issues to deal with. 

The former Qatar manager has failed to win over the fans due to his pragmatic approach, and with his leading striker and captain suspended, plan b needs to be delivered earlier than he would have liked.

Sanchez will no doubt heavily rely on 17-year-old Kendry Paez to be his creative spark, and his intelligence on the ball will be required in the incredibly hot conditions.

Jamaica are unlikely to change, and it’ll very much be up to Antonio to prove to be the difference if they are to secure any points.

Ecuador possible starting lineup:
Dominguez; Hincapie, Pacho, Torres, Preciado, Franco, Caicedo, Sarmiento, Paez, Yeboah, Rodriguez

Jamaica possible starting lineup:
  Waite; Pinnock, Latibeaudiere, Bernard, Leigh, Palmer, De Cordova-Reid, Lembikisa, Gray, Nicholson, Antonio

Copa America Match Stats: Hot climate a key factor

• Due to the heatwave in the US and the match being played in the middle of the day, highs of 40+ degrees in Vegas is expected.
• Enner Valencia is suspended for Ecuador and the captain’s armband will likely be handed over Piero Hincapie.
• Jamaica have never beaten Ecuador in all three attempts to date ranging between 2009 and 2018.