A potential quarter-final spot in Copa America hangs in the balance as Ecuador look to ease past Peru this week. The match schedules for Wednesday at the Estadio Olimpico Pedro Ludovico, with kickoff at midnight.
As things stand, Colombia and Brazil lead the group standings. Therefore, two qualification spots are available for either Venezuela, Ecuador, or Peru. These three teams will play against each other in the penultimate game to go into pole position to seal the spots.
The hosts started the Copa America campaign on a low note, following a defeat to Colombia on an opening day. The loss placed the side at the bottom of the group. The next match came with mixed reactions after a 2-2 draw with Venezuela to fight for a qualification spot.
Moreover, there is a lot of work for La Tricolor in their bid to make the quarter-finals. However, the remains only one point behind Venezuela and two points behind Peru. Therefore, a win this week will see them rise above their rivals to take the third spot.
On the other hand, Sergio Pena held on to Yerry Mina’s own goal to see off a 1-1 draw against Colombia after a Miguel Borja penalty. The draw marked an important point for Pena after suffering a 4-0 loss to Brazil in their opening match.
Ecuador vs. Peru Head to Head
Both sides have 17 games against each other, with Ecuador is taking six wins while Peru has five wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Venezuela 2-2 Ecuador
- Colombia 1-0 Ecuador
- Ecuador 1-2 Peru
- Brazil 2-0 Ecuador
- Ecuador 2-1 Bolivia
Away
- Colombia 1-2 Peru
- Brazil 4-0 Peru
- Ecuador 1-2 Peru
- Peru 0-3 Colombia
- Peru 0-2 Argentina
Ecuador Team News
Talisman Enner Valencia will serve a one-match suspension after picking two yellow cards in their first two opening games. Despite getting dropped to the bench in their last encounter, Gonzalo Plata will earn a spot in the starting XI. Brighton’s Moises Caicedo will operate in the middle of the park after a spirited performance in their draw to Venezuela.
Peru Team News
We do not see Pena changing the starting lineup after their recent exploits so far. Therefore, Gianluca Lapadula will continue in between the sticks while Andre Carillo is continuing in the flanks.
Prediction and Odds
After bouncing back from their opening defeat, we see Peru coming strong in the tournament to make the last eight.
- Peru Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- No Score: Home
