Paraguay vs Ecuador prediction: SOUTH AMERICA: World Championship – Qualification betting tips on match 2025-09-04 23:30.
[p]Paraguay will confirm their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if they collect at least a point against Ecuador in the penultimate round of CONMEBOL qualifiers this week.[/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]Paraguay lost 1-0 to Brazil during their most recent outing in June for their first defeat in ten games (W5, D4), but their World Cup qualification (WCQ) fate is still in their own hands. Already guaranteed an inter-confederation play-off spot at worst, Los GuaranĂes can end their three-edition World Cup exile with a draw here, as they need just one point from the last two rounds. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro can achieve this against the side he led to the previous World Cup, and their recent home form could aid that push. Paraguay have won their last five home WCQs, including victories against continental giants Argentina and Brazil, which strengthen their credentials for this fixture.[/p]
[p]A goalless draw against Peru in June extended Ecuador’s unbeaten run (W4, D5) as they secured their fifth appearance at a World Cup finals. La Tri were able to achieve this despite a three-point penalty from CONMEBOL, thanks largely to a strong defensive unit that conceded a tournament-low five goals. That defending eased concerns about their own low goal count of 13, which was better only than Peru and Chile heading into this matchday. Despite already qualifying, Sebastián Beccacece’s men can still aim to match their record of nine victories in a single WCQ campaign by winning their final two matches this month.[/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]The reverse fixture last October ended in a goalless draw, but Paraguay should fancy their chances here as they won all nine previous home WCQ H2Hs.[/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Six of Paraguay’s last seven home WCQs were decided by a one-goal margin (W6, L1).[/p]
[p]All four of Paraguay’s losses in this WCQ cycle came by a 1-0 scoreline.[/p]
[p]Only three of Ecuador’s 16 games in this WCQ cycle saw both teams score.[/p]
[p]Twelve of Ecuador’s 16 matches in this WCQ cycle produced under 1.5 total goals, as did 11 of Paraguay’s 16 games.[/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]Miguel Almirón could take time to influence the game as seven of his eight national goals came after the break. Ecuador’s all-time top goalscorer Enner Valencia could precede him on the scoreboard as he scored the game-opening goal in five of his last six scoring WCQ appearances.[/p]
[p]Paraguay are missing a few key players for these last set of qualifiers with Fabián Balbuena, MathĂas Villasanti, and Julio Enciso among those missing out. Alan Franco will be out of action for Ecuador having been sent off in the last game against Peru.[/p]
[p]For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]Considering the strong defensive units on display, goals could be scarce, so back under 1.5 goals appears to be the way forward.[/p]
[p][i]Author: Sridhar Bhamidi[/i][/p]