Peru vs Ecuador Predictions

South American football is in a bit of a flux, as we sit in between two Copa Americas which leaves World Cup qualifying on the back burner. They started qualifying for the 2018 edition in October 2015, but we’re still months away from a move toward 2022 with sides focusing on the Copa America this summer. That offers a chance for Peru to follow up on their brilliant run to the final, while Ecuador are trying to build a new side to take them into the tournament this summer. Will they start that journey with a win here?

Peru were beaten by Brazil in the Copa America final, but they had done incredibly well just to make it that far. Having won plenty of admirers at the 2018 World Cup, this feels like a great period in Peruvian football. They are aiming to spark another run in the 2020 Copa America, but will they follow up on that tournament with a victory in New Jersey this week? Peru are looking to make a few changes from the side which launched them to the final in Brazil, but they retain plenty of talent and a signature style of play.

Ecuador are going with a different approach after claiming just one point from their three group stage games this summer. They were poor across the tournament, especially in their 4-0 loss to Uruguay. Now Ecuador are hoping to turn things around by calling on the stars of their successful Under 20 side. They won the South American championship and then made a strong World Cup run with this golden generation, so there are plenty of people who are excited about the future of the side.

However, Ecuador’s excitement needs to be tempered as they integrate their new stars into the side. They come into this game with a very little squad in terms of experience. Their highest capped player in Krasnodar’s Cristian Ramirez who has 21 appearances for the national side. They have four uncapped defenders and two who have only made one appearance, so the changing of the guard comes with next to no one to act as a steadying force on the young players. With three uncapped goalkeepers and more inexperience in midfield, Ecuador could have major issues here.

Peru have enjoyed some great results of late, with a 3-0 success against Chile in the semi-finals a particular highlight. They should have enough to beat an Ecuador side who have lost three of their last four games, failing to win any match in 2019 so far. We’re backing Ecuador to struggle here, so our tip is a Peru win, while we’re backing a 1-0 victory for the hosts, who we see grinding out a result this week.