Uruguay vs Ecuador Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview

The CONMEBOL South America World Cup qualifiers are coming thick and fast and South American expert Nathan Joyes puts forward his Uruguay vs Ecuador prediction, team news, lineups and fixtures preview. 

Marcelo Bielsa’s side were the first nation to fall against Peru last week, and with ongoing dressing room issues that have become public, El Loco will want to do his talking on the pitch.

Ecuador head into this clash on the back of a frustrating 0-0 draw against Paraguay in Quito, and as a result currently sit in 5th spot. The visitors have never won in Uruguay, and it looks to be another big test for them this week.

• Uruguay vs Ecuador Tip 1: Uruguay double chance + most corners
• Uruguay vs Ecuador Tip 2: BTTS No
• Uruguay vs Ecuador Tip 3: Half time draw

Uruguay vs Ecuador Prediction 1: Gritty from La Celeste

Uruguay, World Cup Qualifiers, Wednesday, October 16th, 00:30 (UK)

Uruguay head into this encounter with Ecuador having failed to win any of their three qualifiers post Copa America. In fact, Bielsa’s side haven’t scored in any of them – and losing to Peru was a disaster El Loco wanted to avoid.

Since Luis Suarez’s retirement, the former La Celeste legend hasn’t held back about the way in which Bielsa operates. Other key members have backed him up, and a disgruntled camp is far from ideal in the middle of the qualifiers.

However, the good news for the hosts is that they have never lost on home soil to Ecuador. The visitors have only won three of their last 20 away matches in the qualifiers since 2015, and away from their high altitude, they tend to struggle.

Ecuador have lost every corner count on the road, while Uruguay have won all of theirs minus one (drawing 3-3 with Chile). Uruguay may be left feeling frustrated once more, but they should dominate the game, and the corner count, and even a 0-0 could see our NAP pay out.

• Uruguay vs Ecuador Prediction 1: Uruguay double chance + most corners
• Best Odds: 1.80
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Uruguay vs Ecuador Prediction 2: Not one for the neutral

As mentioned, Uruguay have been rather frustrating in front of goal since their return from Copa America. Admittedly, the suspensions handed out to a high volume of players impacted them after their players jumped into the crowd against Colombian fans, but others haven’t been able to step up.

Darwin Nunez returned to the starting XI against Peru but failed to get into the game, as his side had just two shots on target in Lima. Maxi Araujo hasn’t scored for his new club, Sporting, since his move to Portugal, and there appears to be a real lack of options for Bielsa at present.

Ecuador were also left feeling frustrated against Paraguay last time out. Enner Valencia (34) hasn’t been able to provide his club form for his country, while Flamengo’s Gonzalo Plata has failed to impress for a number of months now – and he may be dropped for this clash.

Two sides struggling in the final third are unlikely to start scoring for fun within a week, and this drab contest can fizzle out.

• Uruguay vs Ecuador Prediction 2: BTTS No
• Best Odds: 1.615
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Chile vs Brazil Prediction 3: Stalemate at the break

At a better price, you can back the half-time draw at odds-against which stands out for numerous reasons.

With all the recent controversy, and how vocal some of the players have been from the Uruguayan camp, the first 45 minutes may not be the most convincing from the hosts. With several reports suggesting players aren’t standing with Bielsa anymore, their all-out attack, high-press could be compromised.

Ecuador have only scored two goals during their four World Cup qualifiers on the road, and both goals were scored in La Paz against Bolivia. They’ve failed to score against Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela on their travels, and it would be a shock if they went after Uruguay in Montevideo considering their away record in recent years.

Add in the fact Uruguay have only conceded one first half goal across their last 11 home World Cup qualifiers, let’s hope we can profit from the half time draw price if we aren’t going to be entertained.

• Uruguay vs Ecuador Prediction 3: Half time draw
• Best Odds: 2.050
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Uruguay vs Ecuador Prediction odds via bet365 as at 11:30, October 14th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Uruguay vs Ecuador Team News and Possible Lineups: R

Uruguay possible starting lineup:
Rochet; Bueno, Olivera, Gimenez, Valverde, Ugarte, de la Cruz, de Arrascaeta, Pellestri, Araujo, Nunez

Ecuador possible starting lineup:
Galindez; Hincapie, Pacho, Torres, Estupinan, Preciado, Franco, Caicedo, Plata, Paez, Valencia

Uruguay vs Ecuador Match Stats

• Uruguay have failed to score in their last three World Cup qualifiers.
• Ecuador have only scored in one of their four away matches during qualifying.
• Both teams have scored one goal between them in their last six games.

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