Ecuador vs Venezuela Prediction Copa América 2024

⚽ Football Copa América 2024 Match Preview

⏰ 22 June 2024 - 23:00 GMT +1

🏟 Stadium: Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara, CA)

Ecuador and Venezuela begin their Copa América Group B campaigns with both sides currently positioned above Brazil in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification standings. Ecuador, despite a points deduction, enter the tournament with optimism, aiming to improve on their quarter-final finish in the last edition despite a nine-game winless streak in Copa América (D4, L5).

Under coach Félix Sánchez, Ecuador has shown good form, winning six out of their last ten matches (D2, L2). They'll be eager to secure their first opening match victory in a Copa América since 1993, having failed to do so in their last 11 attempts (D3, L8).

Venezuela, meanwhile, has reached the knockout stages in four of their last six Copa América appearances. However, their recent form is concerning, with no wins in their last five games (D3, L2) and a goal drought in four of their last five Copa América matches (D2, L3).

The Wine-Reds will look to capitalize on potential weaknesses in Group B opponents Mexico and Jamaica to progress, but must first rediscover their scoring touch.

Where to watch?

📺 Ecuador vs Venezuela Live Stream on TV

📋 Players to watch: Enner Valencia, Ecuador's top scorer, has five previous Copa América goals. For Venezuela, Salomón Rondón's last three goals in this competition have all been match-winners.

⚡ Match Facts: Eight of Ecuador's last 11 Copa América matches have seen at least three total goals.

💡 Prediction: This opening match presents an opportunity for both teams to set a positive tone for their Copa América campaigns. Ecuador's recent form and historical edge give them a slight advantage, but Venezuela's knack for progressing from the group stages shouldn't be underestimated. Ecuador's offensive capabilities, coupled with their tendency for high-scoring matches, suggest we could see an open, attacking game. However, Venezuela's recent scoring troubles may hinder their chances. A closely contested match could unfold, potentially ending in Ecuador's favor with a scoreline like 2-1.

Betting tips: Consider 'Over 2.5 goals' given Ecuador's recent history in Copa América. 'Both teams to score' could also be a good option. Enner Valencia as an anytime goalscorer offers value based on his tournament record. For a riskier bet, backing Ecuador to win and Over 2.5 goals combined could be worth considering. Given Venezuela's recent goal drought, 'Ecuador to keep a clean sheet' might also be an interesting option.