Australia vs Ecuador Predictions

• Under 2.5 goals have been scored in five of the last seven games played by Australia – the exceptions coming against France and Argentina at the World Cup.
• Ecuador, meanwhile, have seen a maximum of two goals scored in nine of their last 10 matches.
• La Tri have kept seven clean sheets during that same span, including against the likes of Japan, Mexico and Nigeria.

Socceroos begin double-header

Fresh off the back of an encouraging World Cup campaign halted by Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the last 16, Australia host Ecuador in a double-header to begin 2023, taking on La Tri in Sydney in the sides’ first meeting on Friday. Graham Arnold’s men had a reputation for being a tough nut to crack in Qatar – as did Ecuador, who will be led by former Qatar boss Felix Sanchez for the first time when they head down under.

Australia have seen under 2.5 goals scored in five of their last seven games, the only exceptions coming in losses to World Cup finalists France and Argentina – and Arnold’s men were unfortunate not to level against the Albiceleste after a Messi wondergoal put them on the back foot in their last outing. On Australian soil, they have only conceded twice in their four games played since reopening after the pandemic – three of those contained under 2.5 goals.

Ecuador, meanwhile, were outstanding in their first two games at the World Cup, easing Qatar aside before holding the Netherlands, but a Kalidou Koulibaly goal ensured Senegal progressed from Group A at their expense. La Tri have since swapped coach Gustavo Alfaro for Sanchez, who oversaw Qatar’s dismal home campaign but will be hopeful of building on a more solid base in his new job. Ecuador have seen nine of their last 10 games contain under 2.5 goals, keeping seven clean sheets and holding the Netherlands, Argentina, Mexico and Japan to draws in that span.

Low-scoring affair likely in Sydney

Given both teams’ penchant for solid defensive performances and the likelihood of rotation for a set of mid-season friendlies unlikely to go down well with club bosses, a cagey affair is expected on Friday.

While we’re backing under 2.5 goals to be scored in the game, a 1-1 draw could represent a solid correct score prediction – five of the visitors’ last eight contests have finished level.