Key Stats & Insights
- In their last 17 meetings, Ecuador and Venezuela have each won 6 times, with 5 draws. The goal difference is 23-18 in favor of Ecuador.
- Enner Valencia, Ecuador’s all-time top scorer with 41 international goals, has netted four times in his last nine outings for club and country.
- Venezuela is winless in their last five matches, with two losses and three draws.
Game Preview
Ecuador Preview: Ecuador enters Copa America 2024 with confidence following a 2-1 win against Honduras. Jeremy Sarmiento scored early, and Piero Hincapie secured the victory with a late goal. Key players such as Hincapie, Moisés Caicedo, and Enner Valencia bolster their squad, making them strong contenders to advance from Group B. Ecuador’s solid defense and attacking prowess are expected to pose significant challenges for their opponents.
Venezuela Preview: Venezuela’s recent goalless draw with Guatemala highlighted their struggles, despite fielding a strong lineup. The team lacks star power but is captained by the experienced Tomás Rincón and relies on Darwin Machís for creativity and goals. Veteran forward Salomón Rondón may play a crucial role off the bench. Venezuela needs to improve their form to make a mark in the tournament.
Team Form and Performance
Ecuador – Last 10 Competitive Games:
- Record: 4 wins, 2 losses, 4 draws
- Average Goals: 1.0
- Average Shots on Goal: 3.2
- Average Possession: 50.4%
- Top Scorer: Enner Valencia (4 goals)
- Key Player: Moisés Caicedo (3 assists)
- Defensive Stats: Conceding 0.7 goals per game
Venezuela – Last 10 Competitive Games:
- Record: 3 wins, 4 losses, 3 draws
- Average Goals: 1.1
- Average Shots on Goal: 3.8
- Average Possession: 44.9%
- Top Scorer: Jose Salomon Rondon (5 goals)
- Key Player: Darwin Machis (1 assist)
- Defensive Stats: Conceding 1.2 goals per game
Head-to-Head Records:
- Recent meetings: Ecuador and Venezuela have won one game each, with four draws.
- Their last encounter ended in a 0-0 draw during the World Cup Qualifiers in November 2023.
Possible Player Form and Availability
Ecuador (4-4-2 Formation):
- Goalkeeper: Alexander Dominguez
- Defenders: Felix Torres, Piero Hincapie, Willian Pacho, Angelo Preciado
- Midfield: John Yeboah, Kendry Paez, Alan Franco, Moisés Caicedo
- Forwards: Enner Valencia, Jeremy Sarmiento
Venezuela (4-5-1 Formation):
- Goalkeeper: Joel Graterol
- Defenders: Nahuel Ferraresi, Yordan Osorio, Miguel Navarro, Alexander Gonzalez
- Midfielders: Daniel Pereira, Jefferson Savarino, Tomás Rincón, Romulo Otero, Darwin Machis
- Forward: Jhonder Cadiz
Market Analysis (Odds):
- Ecuador to Win: 2.00 (50% implied probability)
- Venezuela to Win: 4.33
- Under 2.5 Goals: Favored outcome
- Both Teams to Score (No): 1.62
Predictions
Ecuador 2, Venezuela 1
Venezuela has the capability to score against Ecuador, but Ecuador’s overall quality should see them edge this match. A close game is expected, with Ecuador likely to secure a 2-1 victory.
Betting Tip: Back Ecuador to win at 2.00, which offers good value. Consider betting on “Both Teams to Score – No” at 1.62 if you expect a more defensive game.