Uruguay vs Ecuador prediction: SOUTH AMERICA: World Championship – Qualification betting tips on match 2024-10-15 23:30.
[p]Uruguay may still sit in third place in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, but their form has taken an alarming turn over the last two months. A shock 1-0 defeat to Peru at the weekend means the Sky Blues have gone four games without a win (D3, L1) for the first time since 2021, while a worrying 339 minutes has elapsed since they last managed to score a goal![/p]
[p]As such, manager Marcelo Bielsa is under pressure for the first time since taking the reins last year and he shouldered the blame for Saturday’s defeat, when Uruguay managed just two shots on target. But there’s little doubt that the former Leeds boss will be hoping for an improvement now his side are back on home soil, where they have lost only three of their last 30 World Cup qualifiers (W20, D7).[/p]
[p]They are far from certainties to extend that run against opponents Ecuador though, who have won four of the last seven H2Hs (L3). That is good news for the Tricolors, who have only missed two of the six World Cups this century, and are well placed – despite a points deduction – to book their spot at the tournament in 2026 after picking up 12 points from their nine games so far.[/p]
[p]Their most recent result was a 0-0 draw against Paraguay, after which manager Sebastián Beccacece declared himself “proud” of his side’s performance, despite their inability to break the deadlock from their 14 goal attempts. History suggests supporters making the long trip south might be doing so with little confidence though, given their side have won only three of their 20 away World Cup qualifiers since late 2015 (D4, L13), while failing to score in the last two.[/p]
[p]Player to watch: Midfielder Giorgian de Arrascaeta has an incredible record with Uruguay, losing just one of his last 13 World Cup qualifiers (W8, D4), and scoring five times in the process. Ecuador’s Enner Valencia will be attempting to put a dent in that streak, and each of his last ten strikes at international level have served as the first or last of the game.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Uruguay have only conceded one first-half goal across their last 11 home World Cup qualifiers.[/p]
[p][i]Written by Matt Jones[/i][/p]