Copa America: Argentina vs Ecuador Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

The Copa America is now at the quarter-final stage, and as a result we expect there to be a tight game as neither Argentina nor Ecuador can afford to make any mistakes. However, we are backing the champions Argentina to just edge the tie, given their superior quality and experience, with one goal likely enough to advance.

Ecuador started in poor fashion, but have conceded just once in the last two. They will be up against a dominant forward line, most notably Lautaro Martinez, who has scored three times so far. The striker should be confident in adding to his tally once more following on from what has been a very strong season for both club and country – Argentina 1-0 Ecuador

Don’t forget to check out the rest of our previews, tips and offers for this weekend’s action. Footy Accumulators is the #1 football betting site for the latest on betting in the UK - download the Betting Hub app for more!

Argentina’s Copa America defence continues as they take on Ecuador in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Date: 05/07/24

Kick-off time: 02:00

Venue: NRG Stadium

Following three wins from three in the group stages, Argentina finished top to set up a quarter-final tie with Ecuador. The competition favourites have lived up to pre-tournament expectations so far, and they will look to continue their dominance. They opened up their campaign with a 2-0 win over Canada, before beating Chile 1-0 and Peru 2-0. With 15 titles, Argentina are the most successful country in Copa America, alongside Uruguay. If they are to advance to the semi-final, they will have reached this stage for the fifth time in a row.

To get there, they will have to defeat an Ecuador side who have endured an inconsistent start. After opening game defeat against Venezuela, they recovered well to beat Jamaica 3-1, before a goalless draw with Mexico made sure they progressed ahead of their opponents. Ecuador are one of two CONMEBOL members to have never won Copa America, and should they win this game, it will be the first time they progress past the quarter-final in their last 11 attempts.

However, it does not get tougher than having to take on Argentina. The current champions have a perfect record and have yet to concede a single goal. To further highlight their defensive strengths, they have only given up six shots on target throughout the three games. Dating back further, the team have let in just two goals in eight. With Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez in goal, they are anchored at the back by Premier League duo Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero. They will be taking on an Ecuador attack which will be looking to improve after scoring four in three games. Enner Valencia is the big name up front, and he is still seeking his first goal.

Going forward, Argentina have a number of different threats, none more dangerous than Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami star has yet to find the back of the net in the tournament so far, though he did not play in the final game. Leading the line is Lautaro Martinez, and he has excelled with four goals. He is currently the leading scorer, and he should be confident in adding to his impressive tally.

These two sides have plenty of history with each other, meeting 40 times in the past. Unsurprisingly, Argentina have been much the better side, winning 24 games to Ecuador’s five. Such is their poor record against Argentina, they are currently in the midst of a seven game losing streak, with their last victory coming in World Cup qualifying in 2015. They have struggled in front of goal, scoring just three in this time. The most recent fixture was an international friendly less than a month ago, so the pair are very familiar with each other. Argentina won the game 1-0, with Angel Di Maria’s 40th minute goal the slender difference.

Argentina vs Ecuador will be available to watch on Premier Sports 2.

Argentina

With the side already through, Lionel Messi missed the last game with a minor injury. However, he is expected to be fit for this game. Argentina should have a fully fit squad to choose from.

Ecuador

Enner Valencia returned from a one-game suspension against Mexico, and is expected to start once more in this game. They do not have any fitness concerns following the last game.

Argentina

In their last five games, Argentina have been perfect, winning all of them. Argentina have been unsurprisingly dominant as they look to retain their Copa America crown. They opened up the tournament with a 2-0 win over Canada in their first group stage game. They were much the superior team in possession, and had plenty of opportunities throughout. However, they were unable to break the deadlock until four minutes into the second half, as Julian Alvarez found the back of the net. It remained this way for most of the half, before Lautaro Martinez doubled the score with two minutes to go.

They continued with another win, this time 1-0 against Chile. Argentina dominated, but could not find a breakthrough until the 88th minute when Martinez netted the winner. It became three wins from three as they beat Peru 2-0. Martinez’s excellent run of form carried on as he scored a second half brace.

Their preparations for the tournament ended with an emphatic 4-1 win against Guatemala. Their visitors provided an early shock as they went ahead early after Lisandro Martinez converted into his own net. They soon got back on level terms as Lionel Messi got himself on the scoresheet. Martinez turned it around before the break with a penalty, and the pair both scored once more in the second half to complete the scoring. This followed a 1-0 win over Ecuador, with an Angel Di Maria goal the difference.

Ecuador

In their last five games, Ecuador have won three, lost one and drawn one. Heading into Copa America, Ecuador were in inconsistent form, and continued this as they opened up their tournament with a 2-1 loss against Venezuela. They suffered a setback early as Enner Valencia saw red after 22 minutes. However, they took the lead through Jeremy Sarmiento before the break. They could not hold on though, as their opponents took advantage of the extra man and turned it around in the second half.

However, four points in the next two games ensured their progression to the quarter-final. Firstly, they beat Jamaica 3-1 thanks to goals from Piero Hincapie, Kendry Paez and Alan Minda, before a goalless draw with Mexico meant they finished above their opponents in the table.

Their preparations for the competition ended with a 2-1 win over Honduras. They took an early eighth minute lead through Sarmiento. However, their opponents were able to get back on level terms from the spot, as Bryan Rochez converted a penalty. Ecuador were eventually rewarded for their dominance with an 89th minute winner, which came Piero Hincapie. This followed a much more comfortable victory over Bolivia, as they won 3-1. Valencia scored the first goal, and their lead was doubled shortly after by John Yeboah. The game was put to bed with 20 minutes to go thanks to a Jordy Caicedo penalty. Miguel Terceros pulled one back late for Bolivia, but it was nothing more than a consolation.

• Latest match predictions
• Football tips
• Football accumulator tips
• Football bet of the day