Before becoming a Sports Journalist for Free Super Tips, Aaron spent three years studying Sports Journalism at the University of Sunderland while taking in the Black Cats' 'glory years' under Martin O'Neill. Now back in Northern Ireland he turns niche stats into predictions for FST, while he's one of the few people on this island who is equally comfortable at Windsor Park and the Aviva.
With just over 24 hours to go until the opening game of the 2022 World Cup, we’re bringing our countdown to Qatar to a close. Having covered all the best outright markets, providing you with a huge group stage winner accumulator, a 200/1 combined bet for the tournament and the best offers available ahead of the opener.
Today we’re rounding things up with one last look at Sunday’s clash between Qatar and Ecuador. That’s already covered in our free match predictions, but here we’ve put together a 139/1 Ultimate Bet Builder for the clash, which you can back below!
Qatar vs Ecuador Ultimate Bet Builder
Almoez Ali to score
All of Qatar’s hopes are pinned on Ali for this tournament, especially after his standout displays in recent tournaments. The striker fired them to glory at the 2019 Asian Cup, setting a tournament record with his nine strikes in that competition. In Qatar’s run to the semi-finals of the North American Gold Cup last summer, he hit four goals in five games to push them to the last four.
Ali is partnered by the unselfish Akram Afif and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him turn provider for an Ali strike this weekend. The front two are the standout part of this Qatar side and their partnership has helped Ali prove himself as a tournament scorer. Ahead of the opener, back him to find the net.
Pervis Estupinan to make an assist
The strikers are the key element of Qatar’s 5-3-2, but that narrow midfield could be a problem. They will be exposed to runs from deep from the full-backs unless they aggressively press. Ecuador have adventurous defenders on either flank, especially Brighton left-back Estupinan. He has frequently pushed forward for the Seagulls this term, while he consistently did the same during qualifying.
No defender in South American qualifying matched his 22 chances created, which marks the wing-back out as my anytime assist pick for this clash.
Moises Caicedo to be carded
Estupinan’s Brighton teammate Caicedo is a standout option in the card market, especially considering the form he brings into the tournament. He comes into the opener having been booked in five of his last seven club games with the Seagulls, while he has international previous too.
Caicedo was booked five times during World Cup qualifying and he’s set to start in a stretched central pairing on Sunday. Ecuador’s 4-4-2 will look to get support out wide, putting a huge amount of pressure on Caicedo in order to cover a lot of ground. Back him to pick up a card in the opening game.
Build better bets with our free betting tips, predictions and accumulators, every day.
More betting news:
World Cup 2022 team guides & best bets
Qatar World Cup 2022 dark horse predictions
Qatar World Cup 2022 top goalscorer predictions
To squeeze every drop of value out of today’s Football Predictions including our World Cup 2022 Betting Tips we highly recommend you take a look at our Free Bets hub, where you can compare all the best free bets and special offers from the best sportsbooks around.
