Ecuador vs Venezuela: Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Copa America 2024
Preview
Ecuador vs Venezuela will be the first Group B game at Copa America 2024 and is set to take place at Levi’s Stadium in California as both teams will look to make a strong start.
La Tri will enter this competition with a mixed run of form in their friendlies leading up to the tournament. Since March, they have played five games, secured three wins and suffered two defeats. The wins were all against sides ranked below them, while they could not match up to sides above them in the two defeats. Now, they will look to put their best foot forward in the next one.
La Vinotinto, on the other hand, have been in poor form in the build-up to this tournament. They are winless in their last five games across competitions, securing their last victory in a match back in October 2023. In the last five, they have only scored two goals and conceded four as most of their games meander towards stalemates. They will look to play positive football at the Copa America.
With that said, let’s take a look at the team news from both camps.
Ecuador vs Venezuela Team News
Ecuador
Manager Félix Sánchez fielded fairly similar lineups in his team’s wins against Honduras and Bolivia recently. While he gave some of the bench players chances to show their mettle against the latter, he fielded a full-strength lineup in the last match as the first game of the Copa is just around the corner.
Alexander Domínguez will retain his position between the sticks. Ángelo Preciado will be joined by Félix Torres and Piero Hincapié in defense. Chelsea star Moisés Caicedo will be the engine for his team in midfield, with Kendry Páez and Jeremy Sarmiento ahead of him. Skipper Enner Valencia will lead the line for Ecuador.
Venezuela
Manager Fernando Batista, too, played two similar lineups in Venezuela’s last two games. First, he played a near full-strength team against Italy but they lost 2-1 before the bench players had a runout and drew 0-0 against Guatemala.
Rafael Romo will be their main goalkeeper for the tournament. Yordan Osorio, Wilker Ángel and Nahuel Ferraresi will form the backline. Jon Aramburu will join Miguel Navarro in midfield. Darwin Machís will start on the left flank, with skipper Salomón Rondón leading the line.
Predicted Lineups
Ecuador
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Alexander Domínguez (GK); Ángelo Preciado, Félix Torres, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapié; Alan Franco, Moisés Caicedo; John Yeboah, Kendry Páez, Jeremy Sarmiento; Enner Valencia (C)
Venezuela
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Rafael Romo (GK); Yordan Osorio, Wilker Ángel, Nahuel Ferraresi; Jon Aramburu, José Martínez, Cristian Cásseres Jr., Miguel Navarro; Jefferson Savarino, Salomón Rondón (C), Darwin Machís
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Key Players to Watch
- Enner Valencia (Ecuador) – The Ecuadorian captain will be eager to lead from the front and grab some goals to take his team forward. With over 150 club goals to his name, Valencia is one of the most prolific players to have come out of Ecuador. He has been exceptionally impactful playing for his country, scoring 41 goals and providing 12 assists in just 86 appearances so far.
- Salomón Rondón (Venezuela) – Despite being 34, Rondon is still going strong as he netted 19 goals and provided three assists in 28 games for Pachuca this season. The towering striker nearly has 200 club goals as he uses his dominant frame to his advantage. He currently has 41 goals and five assists from 105 games for his nation and will look to add to it.
Ecuador vs Venezuela Head-to-Head Record
Being part of the same continent, these two teams have faced off fairly often in the last few years. However, results have been hard to come by as three of the last five meetings between the two have ended in draws, with Ecuador and Venezuela sharing one win apiece.
Last 5 Games
- Venezuela 0-0 Ecuador [11/23]
- Ecuador 1-0 Venezuela [11/21]
- Venezuela 2-1 Ecuador [10/21]
- Venezuela 2-2 Ecuador [06/21]
- Venezuela 1-1 Ecuador [06/19]
Prediction
Recent history suggests matchups between these two teams are usually cagey and do not produce too many goals. Just 11 combined goals in the last five meetings is a testament to the fact. Ecuador are in slightly better form but since this is the opening game, nerves could kick in as both sides will settle for a draw.
Prediction: Ecuador 1-1 Venezuela
When & Where to Watch Ecuador vs Venezuela Live?
Q. When and where will Ecuador vs Venezuela be played?
A. The match will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Saturday, June 22 at 11:00 PM (GMT).
Q. Where will the match be shown in the UK?
A. Premier Sports will be airing the match.
Q. Where will the game be streamed in the USA?
A. Fox Sports and TUDN will be streaming the game.
Q. Where will the match be streamed in India?
A. There is currently no confirmed partner.
Q. Where will the game be shown in Venezuela?
A. Televen will be telecasting the game.
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