Mexico v Ecuador: Prediction, Tips and Odds

After picking up three points from their opening two Group B matches, both Mexico and Ecuador know they have their futures at the Copa America in their own hands when they meet face-to-face at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Mexico got off to a winning start in the United States with a hard-fought victory over Jamaica on matchday one.

However, a Salomon Rondon penalty ensured a 1-0 victory for Venezuela last time out and has left El Tricolor in need of a victory to secure their spot in the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Ecuador started their Copa America campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Venezuela, despite taking a first-half lead through Brighton’s Jeremy Sarmiento.

However, a 3-1 victory over Jamaica in their most recent group fixture has placed La Tri ahead of Mexico on goal difference, so a single point would likely be enough to send Felix Sanchez Bas’ men through to the knockout stages as runners-up.

Mexico v Ecuador betting tips and predictions

Ecuador to win - 17/10

Despite Mexico being 15 places higher in the FIFA world rankings than Ecuador - 15th compared to 30th - the recent form of El Tricolor has been inconsistent at best and it could see Jaime Lozano’s men end up on the losing side of this encounter.

Mexico have lost six of their last 10 internationals while they have also won just one of their last four meetings with La Tri, losing two which includes their 2015 meeting in this tournament - where goals from Miller Bolanos and Enner Valencia secured a 2-1 victory for Ecuador.

This should give hope to an Ecuador side that have been in impressive form as of late. La Tri have lost just three of their last 12 in all competitions and two of these defeats have come against Italy and reigning Copa America and world champions Argentina.

With seven wins included in this run, Ecuador will be the form side heading into this meeting and, as the outsiders for victory, they look a tempting bet to stun the Mexicans in Arizona.

Both Teams to Score - 1/1

With so much at stake in this encounter, there should be plenty of chances for goals as the two battle for victory, so the net could bulge at both ends.

Ecuador have already netted four goals in the group stages, which is the most of any side in Group B and is also a tally that is only bettered by Argentina, Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay and a Colombia side currently pipping one of the pre-tournament favourites Brazil to top spot in Group D.

However, Ecuador do have an issue when it comes to their defence.

La Tri have failed to keep clean sheets in any of their last four internationals and this could offer some hope for Mexico, who have failed to score in just four of their last 17 matches stretching back to July 2023.

Kendry Paez to score anytime - 13/2

While all-time record goalscorer Valencia is back and available for selection for Ecuador - after missing their 3-1 victory over Jamaica through suspension - he may not be the best bet when it comes to goals for La Tri.

That could come in the shape of teenage sensation Kendry Paez - the 17-year-old who is due to join Chelsea next summer and who is already a mainstay of this Ecuador side.

Paez has started both of Ecuador’s two group fixtures in this tournament and scored his second international goal in their victory over Jamaica last time out.

The youngster could be the difference maker in Glendale and looks a tempting outside shot in the goalscorer market.

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Mexico v Ecuador odds

Mexico - 7/4
Draw - 21/10
Ecuador - 17/10

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.

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