The World Cup qualifying action from CONMEBOL has once again been fiercely competitive and there is so much up in the air for the final round of matches in midweek. Argentina go into their final match sat outside of the qualification spot and even a victory in this one would not guarantee that they get an automatic place at the World Cup next summer. The pressure is on as they face Ecuador, who are eliminated from qualification but have had some good moments at home in the group. Argentina have to ensure that they do better than Peru and Paraguay do in the final round of matches to at least finish in the top five. Argentina are 2/5 odds on favourites here with William Hill and Ecuador are a big 15/2 shot to pull it off.
Argentina Form
Argentina have been a very poor side throughout qualification. They have posted a W6 D7 L4 record but it is their goal count which is shocking. They have averaged under a goal per game, which is hard to believe with all of the attacking talents they have. They played out a 0-0 home draw with Peru last week, a missed opportunity to take a giant step towards Russia 2018. But that is Argentina, lacking goals and away from home in the campaign they have posted a W2 D4 L2 record. It’s not being good and even Lionel Messi only has five goals in the campaign.
Ecuador Form
Ecuador have nothing to play for in this fixture, but they have already taken some good home results in the group. They have beaten both Uruguay and Chile, who are currently sat inside the top three in the group and only narrowly lost against Colombia. Earlier in the group, they did go to Argentina and produced a 2-0 victory for themselves. They aren’t particularly great at the back, but then neither are Peru and Argentina couldn’t break them down.
Head to Head News
Ecuador have actually gone W2 D1 in their last three on home soil against Argentina so have a bit of form there. They also took that 2-0 win in Argentina back in October 2015 early in the qualification campaign for the 2018 World Cup. That is their only win in their last seven against the Albiceleste though in a W1 D4 L2 record. Still, overall it isn’t that bad.
Top Betting Tips
The draw has appeal in this one, simply because Argentina can’t seem to find the back of the net and haven’t been convincing away from home in the group either. Ecuador can stick in there for a draw and frustrate the visitors and pick up a point. The last time that Argentina failed to reach the World Cup was at Mexico 1970 and they could be in danger of it happening again.