How Senegal could line up against Ecuador

Despite being scarred by the injury omission of star player Sadio Mane at the beginning of the tournament, the Lions of Teranga have plenty of experience to call upon both in attack and defence in this crucial encounter.

Manager Aliou Cisse will almost certainly elect Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy between the sticks, with the Senegal stopper being up there with the best in the world in his position and performing impressively so far in the tournament.

In front of Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo will be likely to marshal the defence centrally, with Youssouf Sabaly and Ismail Jakobs accompanying them in the full-back slots.

With regards to midfield, Nampalys Mendy could be preferred to Cheikhou Kouyate in the holding roles, with Idrissa Gueye anticipated to be on the other side in order to try and control the centre of the pitch.

Due to their attacking proficiency in the 3-1 victory over Qatar, Senegal may look to try and keep their 4-4-2 formation heading into their last Group A match against Ecuador.

Ismaila Sarr and Krepin Diatta were influential in the Qatar triumph and will be charged with the challenge of providing width and crosses to their forward players.

In the two central attacking positions, Famara Diedhiou and Boulaye Dia should complete an unchanged 11 due to both netting a goal against Qatar last time out.

Senegal possible starting lineup:

Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs; Sarr, Mendy, Gueye, Diatta; Dia, Diedhiou