Venezuela - Ecuador predictions and free betting tips [16/11/2023]

On Friday, as part of the 5th round of the final CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, Venezuela will host Ecuador at the Monumental de Maturin stadium.

Probable Lineups

Venezuela: Romo, Osorio, Angel, Navarro, Gonzalez, Herrera, Martinez, Bello, Soteldo, Sosa, Rondon.

Ecuador: Galíndez, Torres, Hincapie, Pacho, Preciado, Gruezo, Chala, Paez, Caicedo, Rodriguez, Valencia.

Venezuela

Venezuela has surprisingly made a lively start to their World Cup qualifier campaign, with 7 points to their credit. In the previous round, they claimed a 3:0 victory over Chile at their home ground. Out of 12 shots taken by the hosts, 6 were on target. Coach Fernando Batista employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, with veteran striker Solomon Rondon as the top scorer already having netted 2 goals in 4 rounds. The recent results have given rise to a cautious optimism among the Venezuelan fans, with dreams of making it to the World Cup. The Argentine coach relies on experienced players who have had stints in European clubs, without much reliance on youth. Batista doesn't favour a high rotation policy, aims to refresh the play with substitutes in the second half. Venezuela faces certain problems with productivity, yet appears more impressive at home compared to their away outings.

Ecuador

Last season, Ecuador was deducted 3 points for falsifying the birthdate of one of their players and started their journey with a negative point tally. Currently, the team is positioned 6th with 4 points. The previous match at home ended in a goalless draw against Colombia, where the hosts were fortunate as the visitors failed to convert several opportunities. Head coach Felix Sanchez deploys a 5-4-1 formation. He has continued to bring young talents into the team, bringing about a rejuvenation process. Ecuador's new star - winger Kendri Paes, at 16 years and 161 days, became the youngest goal scorer in South American World Cup qualifier history. Already, European clubs have shown active interest in him. Team Leader Valencia is at peak form at the international level. Under Sanchez, Ecuador has evolved into a team capable of fighting for medals at the Copa America, now acknowledged even by established powerhouses like Argentina and Brazil.

Head-to-Head

The opponents have played 31 matches against each other, with Venezuela winning 11 and losing 15. The last time they met was in the World Cup 2021 qualifiers, where both teams won their respective home matches – 2:1 in Venezuela and 1:0 in Ecuador.

Venezuela - Ecuador match prediction

Ecuador is known as one of the high-spirited teams in South America, who likes to attack and defends aggressively. A good bet would be total over (2).