Venezuela vs Ecuador prediction: SOUTH AMERICA: World Championship – Qualification betting tips on match 2023-11-16 22:00.
Since being defeated in their opening FIFA World Cup qualifier (WCQ), Venezuela have put together an impressive three-match unbeaten run (W2, D1), including a creditable 1-1 draw with Brazil in the last international break. Only Argentina (12) have collected more than their seven points after four rounds of fixtures, putting Fernando Batista’s men in a strong position as they aim to qualify for their first-ever World Cup finals.
The CONMEBOL qualifying process is a long and arduous one however, so sustaining that is truly a different matter, especially as they now face an Ecuador side whom they’ve lost four of the last six WCQ H2Hs against (W1, D1). Venezuela’s strong recent form should stand them in good stead though, with just one defeat in their last 11 matches (W7, D3) meaning they’ll certainly be confident of continuing their solid start to qualifying here.
Ecuador possess an identical record to Venezuela after four rounds (W2, D1, L1), but sit three points adrift of their opponents due to a prior points deduction. La Tricolor therefore have ground to make up on their hosts but know their away form must improve if they’re to do that, as they’ve won just three of their last 18 WCQ qualifiers on the road (D3, L12).
That said, Félix Sánchez Bas’ men have been tough to beat recently, losing just two of their last 11 WCQs at any venue (W4, D5). The most recent victory in that sequence featured a 96th-minute winner over Bolivia, a crucial result that Ecuador will hope sets them on their way to qualifying for back-to-back World Cup finals for just the second time in their history.
Players to watch: Venezuela were inspired by Yeferson Soteldo in the last international break, with the winger scoring and assisting in their impressive 3-0 victory over Chile. British record transfer Moisés Caicedo has assisted three of his country’s last four WCQ goals, but the last time he found the net in WCQ action came back in November 2021!
Hot stat: None of Venezuela’s last eight WCQ home matches have ended level (W4, L4).