Ecuador vs Chile Predictions

Ecuador are still reeling from their opening game loss, but they are by no means out of the fight for the next round of the Copa America. Even after their 4-0 hammering at the hands of Uruguay, they could yet squeeze into the quarter-finals. However, can they see off defending champions Chile in order to boost their chances of going through to the next round? Or will the champions come away with all three points in this clash?

Ecuador were torn apart by Uruguay in their first game, which comes after their recent struggles in the Copa America. They’ve won just one of their last five matches in this competition, while that victory came against Haiti. They’ve had a terrible time in South America’s championship, so a group stage exit this summer wouldn’t be a huge shock. That certainly seems in store for them, given that they head into this clash with the defending champions desperate for three points.

Chile are aiming to become the first side in the modern era to win this trophy three times on the spin. They will be doing it in a slightly odd fashion, given the competition is supposed to be held every four years. However, with a special centenary edition in 2016, Chile could win it for the third time since 2015. That’s obviously helped, as they’ve managed to keep the same squad together over that time. They’ve got a side packed with experience, with six players in this squad who have at least 100 caps.

While Chile have an ageing group, the talent is still there. They even managed to get a goal out of Alexis Sanchez in their clash with Japan, which saw Chile secure a 4-0 win.  The Chileans are expected to build on that, as they look to make it seven games unbeaten in this competition. While they had a mixed time qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, Chile remain a side to fear in Copa America clashes.

With Ecuador winless in five matches, we struggle to see them getting a result in this clash. Chile looked great in their opening clash, while Ecuador showed little to suggest that they’d return to form. We think that the champions will secure a second win of the tournament, while they’re very well priced to claim a win in this game.