Ecuador - Jamaica predictions and free betting tips [26/06/2024]

On Thursday, 27th June, in the second round of Copa America, the Ecuadorian national team will face Jamaica. The Tricolours stumbled in their opening game, losing 2-1 to Venezuela, while the Reggae Boyz were defeated by Mexico 1-0.

Predicted Line-ups

Ecuador: Dominguez; Preciado, Torres, Pacho, Hincapie; Gruezo, M. Caicedo; Minda, Paez, Sarmiento; Rodriguez.

The Ecuadorian squad for this tournament lacks several key players, including experienced defender and captain Estupinan (Brighton, 38 matches) and Chavez (Lens), who are injured. Also missing are midfielder Plata (Al-Sadd), young Angulo (Anderlecht), and defender Arboleda (Sao Paulo), who have been replaced by Preciado (Sparta Prague), Pacho (Eintracht Frankfurt), and notably Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen). The midfield is bolstered by Moises Caicedo (Chelsea) and Angel Mena (Leon, 59 matches, 8 goals), although he did not get playtime in the first round.

Ener Valencia (Internacional, 41 goals) only played 22 minutes in the opening match and was sent off for a harsh tackle; in his absence, Sarmiento (Brighton) scored. The talented Kevin Rodriguez (Union Saint-Gilloise, 3 goals, 2 assists this season) is likely to lead the offence. Kendry Paez received a yellow card last week and risks missing the final group stage match if cautioned again on Thursday night.

Jamaica: Waite; Bernard, Latibeaudiere, Pinnock; Lembikisa, Decordova-Reid, Anderson, Lee; Nicholson, Gray; Antonio.

For this tournament, Jamaica's coaching staff decided not to call up Mariappa (formerly of Leicester), Powell (55 caps), midfielder D. Williams, and forwards R. Williams and Richards (Chelsea, 19 years old). Among the absentees, Bell (Luton Town) and Andre Blake (first-choice goalkeeper) are injured, although the latter is expected to recover in time for the next game. The main threat in the attack for the yellow-greens is experienced Michail Antonio (West Ham, 6 goals in the Premier League this season).

Creativity upfront is also provided by Gray (Everton), Kasey Palmer (Coventry) and Shamar Nicholson from Clermont-Ferrand (4 goals, 3 assists). In the first round, Jahmali Waite started, and Damion Lowe returned after a minor injury sustained during World Cup qualifiers. Fulham's midfielder Decordova-Reid will orchestrate the team's play in the centre of the park, while Pinnock will patrol the right flank in defence. 

Stadium

The match will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise.

Ecuador

Ecuador could have won their opening match against Venezuela in the current Copa America but lost due to Enner Valencia's red card. The Tricolours took the lead in the first half, but crumbled in the second half, conceding two goals to Cadiz and Bello. With zero points, advancing to the knockout stage becomes more difficult, especially as the nominal hosts will have to do without their leading striker due to suspension. It's worth noting that Ecuador has never won this tournament before, although they reached the quarter-finals in the previous edition.

They also participated in the recent World Cup in Qatar, where they were eliminated in the group stage, and are now trying to qualify for the next World Cup. After six rounds of the qualifiers, Ecuador sits in a respectable 5th place in the standings, ahead of Brazil and Chile. Only Argentina managed to beat them last autumn (1-0); otherwise, the yellow-blues have a great record with three wins and two draws. In preparation for the current Copa America, Felix Sanchez Bas’ team lost a friendly match to Argentina due to a single Messi goal (1-0), but then secured victories over modest Bolivia (3-1) and Honduras (2-1).

Jamaica

Jamaica is making only their third appearance in Copa America history, and the Islanders are keen to improve on their two previous group stage exits. However, they started poorly this time as well, losing 1-0 to Mexico in their opening match. One could argue that the Jamaicans deserved more, as they were sometimes more dangerous than their opponents, but their finishing let them down. Moreover, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men thought they had taken the lead in the early second half, but Michail Antonio's goal was disallowed by VAR due to offside.

So far in 2024, the Reggae Boyz have played seven matches without conceding a first-half goal, although they struggle in attack, failing to score more than one goal in six of their last seven games. Before the Mexico setback, the nominal visitors won two World Cup qualifying matches (2nd round) against the Dominican Republic (1-0) and Dominica (2-3).

Head-to-Head Meetings

On Thursday, these teams will meet for the sixth time. Jamaica lost the previous four encounters, with the only positive result being a 0-0 draw in a friendly match in August 2009 in New Jersey.

Prediction for Ecuador vs Jamaica

Having lost in the first round, Ecuador must win this time at all costs; otherwise, they can forget about advancing to the playoffs. However, that's easier said than done, as their main striker, Enner Valencia, will be suspended. Jamaica looked quite good last week and have a decent set of players by Central American standards. I believe the Reggae Boyz's chances of at least not losing heavily are underestimated, so I'll bet on Jamaica's +1.5 handicap.

Total Goals Prediction

Jamaica's attack features stars like Antonio, Gray, and Spartak Moscow fans’ favourite Shamar Nicholson. I'll take a risk and bet on the Islanders not leaving the pitch on Thursday without scoring a goal.

Corner Kicks Prediction

Jamaica had as many as six corner kicks in their match against Mexico, and now, standing on the brink of elimination, they will undoubtedly maintain their offensive intensity. I bet on the Reggae Boyz's individual total over 4.5 corners.

Yellow Cards Prediction

Ecuador consistently earns two yellow cards per game this year, so I bet this trend will continue, especially against Jamaica's very pacey attack.

Score Prediction

I'll bet on a 1-1 draw.