Ecuador and Argentina meet in the final matchday of South America’s World Cup qualifying section, with both sides having already secured their place in Qatar.
Argentina sits in second place in the CONMBEOL standings, 13 points ahead of Ecuador in third. This is the final game for the hosts, who’ll be looking to cap off a very successful campaign in Guayaquil.
The away side has a re-scheduled game to play against Brazil at a later date, but this match stands as a chance to keep its momentum going – Argentina has won seven out of its past nine matches and has not lost since the semifinals of the 2019 Copa America, giving it the longest current run in international football without losing.
Lionel Messi will look to lead his side to another victory and extend the incredible 30-game unbeaten streak, in what should be a tough test for the Copa America holders.
Argentina are currently on the longest unbeaten run in international football.
The World Cup starts in 240 days 👀 pic.twitter.com/cpsbI2UsOk
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 26, 2022
How to watch Ecuador vs Argentina
- Date: Tuesday, March 29.
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- USA TV channel: CBS, UniMas, TUDN
- USA streaming: fuboTV
- UK TV Channel: Premier Sports
In the USA, the game will be broadcast on and streamed on fuboTV, which is available on a free trial for new users.
Ecuador vs Argentina predicted lineups
Ecuador boasts a virtually full squad for this game but could make changes given the 3-1 defeat suffered away at Paraguay last week.
Star man and former West Ham forward Enner Valencia is likely to lead the line again while Hernan Galindez will start in goal with Alexander Dominguez absent.
Predicted Ecuador lineup (4-2-3-1): Galindez(GK) — Preciado, Torres, Hincapie, Estupinan — Gruezo, Mendez — Castillo, Mena, Rojas — Valencia.
Argentina will be led by star man Messi once again, with the Paris Saint-Germain forward netting in the 3-0 win over Venezuela.
Two forwards who won’t be involved are Mauro Icardi and Lautaro Martinez, which leaves opportunities for the likes of Julian Alvarez, Joaquin Correa and Nicolas Gonzalez to start.
Lisandro Martinez is missing at the back, and back-up keeper Franco Armani could keep his place in between the sticks ahead of Emiliano Martinez.
Predicted Argentina lineup (4-3-3): Armani(GK) — Molina, Pezzella, Otamendi, Tagliafico — De Paul, Paredes — Gonzalez, Di Maria, A Correa — Messi.
#SelecciónMayor ¡Gracias a todos!
Les dejamos este compacto de hoy para que disfruten de otro partido invicto de la #Scaloneta 🤪#SomosUno🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/A4UbJpvdBo
— Selección Argentina 🇦🇷 (@Argentina) March 26, 2022
Ecuador vs Argentina odds
Odds courtesy of DraftKings
Ecuador, like Argentina, has secured its spot at the finals in Qatar this year by way of finishing within the top four of the qualifying group.
Peru in fifth place can’t catch up, and it means this game is essentially a ‘free-hit’ for both sides. Nevertheless, with minimal international fixtures left before the World Cup in November, they will want to produce strong performances.
Ecuador has seen both teams score in its past four matches and Argentina boasts a great frontline that should be presented with opportunities.
The reigning South American champions has seen both teams score in six of its past 10 completed games away from home in all competitions and in a match where the result has little bearing on the standings, it’s likely we’ll see goals.
Pick: Both Teams To Score (+100)
- Moneyline: Ecuador +310/ Draw +235/ Argentina +100
- Spread: Ecuador +0.5 (-120) / Argentina -0.5 (-105)
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over +150/ Under -190
- Both Teams to Score: Yes +110/ No -145