Best Odds: 3/5
Bookmaker:
Looking to open their World Cup qualifying campaign with an early statement of intent in the early hours of Friday, Argentina will welcome Ecuador to Buenos Aires.
Argentina
Starting with the hosts, making real history out in the Middle East last winter as they got their hands on a first World Cup crown since 1986, Argentina are in the midst of what has been a record-breaking flurry. Only continuing to gain a string of plaudits under Lionel Scaloni, La Albiceleste will simply have their sights set on making an early qualifying statement here. Continuing on their remarkable purple patch since opening 2023, the South American giants certainly find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Signing off their pre-qualifying run with a routine 2-0 victory against Indonesia back on June 19th, Argentina have now won each of their last 10 straight appearances across all competitions. Likewise, despite opening their winter World Cup romp with an infamous 2-1 loss at the hands of Saudi Arabia, it should be highlighted that is the only defeat that Friday’s hosts have suffered from any of their previous 47 straight appearances a run that stems all the way back to July 2019.
Team News
Continuing on a remarkable free-scoring flurry since arriving at Inter Miami this summer and already notching 11 strikes across all competitions, seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi will spearhead Argentina’s charge here. Likewise, the American-based duo of Thiago Almada (Atlanta United) and Alan Velasco (FC Dallas) have also been included in Scaloni’s squad this month.
Premier League stars such as Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez and Tottenham defender Cristian Romero will also feature this weekend.
Ecuador
As for the visitors, suffering what was a frustrating World Cup campaign out in Qatar over the winter as they missed out on the chance to claim a knockout stage ticket, Ecuador have come roaring back since. Not showing any real signs of a hangover since opening 2023, La Tri open their qualifying adventure in the midst of a recent boost. Signing off their pre-qualifying preparations with a routine 3-1 win against Costa Rica, Felix Sanchez Bas’ side have won each of their last three friendly showdowns by an aggregate score of 6-2. However, while Ecuador might still be smelling the chance to punch another automatic World Cup ticket, Friday’s guests will know that they face a stern opening challenge this weekend. including a 3-0 drumming in their last trip to Argentina back in July 2021, Bas’ men have won just one of their last 11 meetings against the reigning world champions.
Team News
Making a record-breaking £115million move to Premier League giants Chelsea this summer, Moises Caicedo will start at the heart of Bas’ midfield in Buenos Aires. Likewise, veteran striker and ex-West Ham star Enner Valencia will once again lead Ecuador’s charge in the early hours of Friday.
Impressing this season with Belgium outfit Club Brugge, 19-year-old Joel Ordonez should earn a first senior cap here.
Key Factors to Consider
