Preview: Ecuador vs. Bolivia - prediction, team news, lineups

La Tri have tasted both defeat and victory since their exit from the group stage at the World Cup in Qatar, while La Verde have won only one of their last eight international matches.

Match preview

Ecuador got revenge against Australia in their last international match on March 28, beating the Socceroos 2-1, courtesy of strikes from Pervis Estupinan and Willian Pacho.

That victory came just four days after Graham Arnold's side ran out 3-1 winners against La Tri with goals from Jackson Irvine, Awer Mabil and Garang Kuol being the difference on that day.

Felix Sanchez's side gave a respectable account of themselves at the World Cup in Qatar, beating the host nation in the opening game before sharing the spoils with a European heavyweight in the form of the Netherlands.

Defeat against Senegal in their final group game meant that La Tri were sent packing, but one of Ecuador's biggest strengths heading into the World Cup was their defence - they kept six consecutive clean sheets heading into the tournament, and the 2-0 victory over Qatar made it seven on the bounce.

Sanchez's men have conceded in both matches against Australia since their World Cup exploits, but they will be confident of shutting out a Bolivia side that have struggled as of late.

Bolivia will be aiming to build on their 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia in their last international contest, after ending a run of seven matches without a victory.

Marcelo Martins opened the scoring with his 31st goal in his 100th appearance for the national side before Salem Aldawsari equalised from the penalty spot just before the interval.

Carmelo Algaranaz then came off the bench to restore Bolivia's lead and give Gustavo Costas' side a key victory after a torrid run of form. Prior to that defeat, Bolivia lost to Uzbekistan, as well as Peru, Senegal, Brazil and Columbia all without scoring a single goal in the process.

La Verde come into this encounter against Ecuador winless in their last six meetings - their last victory against this weekend's opponents came back in 2015.

Ecuador friendly form:

L

W

Ecuador form (all competitions):

D

W

D

L

L

W

Bolivia friendly form:

Bolivia form (all competitions):

Team News

As always, a man to watch in Felix Sanchez's team will be former West Ham United striker Enner Valencia, who grabbed himself three goals at the World Cup in Qatar, and he is expected to lead the line here.

Another key man for Sanchez is Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, and he is expected to start in the engine room alongside Alan Franco.

Teenager Kendry Paez received a surprising call-up to the national side, but he has failed to make the cut due to visa problems.

As for Bolivia, after their victory over Saudi Arabia, Costas may be tempted to name an unchanged side.

That would see Marcelo Martins start in attack, supported by the likes of Danny Bejarano and Miguel Terceros in midfield, while Adrian Jusino and Jose Sagredo make up the heart of the defence.

However, Carmelo Algaranaz may be rewarded with a place in the starting XI after his heroics off the bench last time out.

Ecuador possible starting lineup:

Galindez; Preciado, Torres, Hincapie, Estupinan; Franco, Caicedo, Gruezo; Plata, Valencia, Mena

Bolivia possible starting lineup:

Viscarra; Quinteros, Jusino, Sagedo; Medina, Ursino, Bejarano, Terceros, Arrascaita; Martins, Algaranaz

We say: Ecuador 3-0 Bolivia

It is difficult to see anything other than a convincing Ecuador victory here, especially since La Tri are seeking their fifth consecutive triumph against Bolivia.

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