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

The South Americans are currently unbeaten in their last five games, while Japan are also in fine form after avoiding defeat in their previous four matches.

Match preview

After missing out on the 2018 World Cup, Ecuador bounced back by finishing fourth in South American qualifying to ensure they will be in Qatar.

Ecuador's home form played a major role in their successful qualifying campaign after losing only one of their nine home matches.

There will not be any home comforts at the World Cup, but Gustavo Alfaro's side will head to Qatar in a confident mood if they can extend their five-game unbeaten run on Tuesday.

A goalless draw against Saudi Arabia last time out may not catch the attention, but one loss in their previous 13 matches certainly highlights how tough Ecuador are to beat.

With six of Ecuador's last nine games ending all square, there seems a real possibility that they could replicate the 1-1 draw they recorded in their most recent meeting with Japan in 2019.

Like their opponents, Japan are also preparing for the upcoming World Cup after finishing second in their group in the third round of qualifying.

Japan are set to head into their seventh consecutive World Cup in impressive form after winning three of their last four matches, including a 2-0 victory over the United States on Friday.

Eintracht Frankfurt's Daichi Kamada gave his country half time lead against the United States before Kaoru Mitoma wrapped up the win with an 88th-minute strike.

As a result of the victory, Japan have now won 11 of their previous 15 games, while they have also kept four consecutive clean sheets.

Following their positive run of form, Hajime Moriyasu will hope his side can extend their unbeaten run to five matches when they face Ecuador.

Ecuador International Friendlies form:

Ecuador form (all competitions):

Japan International Friendlies form:

Japan form (all competitions):

Team News

Alan Franco is a doubt for the hosts after the 24-year-old was forced off in the first half of the goalless draw against Saudi Arabia.

Jose Cifuentes replaced Franco in Friday's contest, and he is set to come into the side to join Carlos Gruezo and Moises Caicedo in a midfield three.

Meanwhile, Enner Valencia will look to transfer his club form into international action after scoring seven goals in five league games for Fenerbahce this season.

As for the visitors, they will be without the services of Takehiro Tomiyasu who has been withdrawn from the squad for Tuesday's game due to club circumstances.

With Tomiyasu unavailable, Hiroki Ito is expected to come into the starting lineup to partner Maya Yoshida in central defence.

After coming off the bench to score in the win over the United States, Mitoma could be rewarded with a starting place against Ecuador.

Ecuador possible starting lineup:

Dominguez; Preciado, Porozo, Hincapie, Estupinan; Cifuentes, Gruezo, Caicedo; Plata, Ibarra, Valencia

Japan possible starting lineup:

Gonda; Sakai, Yoshida, H. Ito, Nakayama; Doan, Endo, Morita, Mitoma; Maeda, Kamada

We say: Ecuador 1-1 Japan

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