Ecuador vs Paraguay Prediction: La Albirroja to battle hard in Quito

World Cup 2026 qualifying continues apace in South America this week and there is a big clash taking place at Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito on Thursday (22:00) when Ecuador host Paraguay. 

Ecuador are fourth in the standings on 11 points, three places and two points above Paraguay, and both nations know just how important a victory would be when they clash. 

Ecuador vs Paraguay Odds

Ecuador are 3/5 favourites to win on home soil with Paraguay 5/1 outsiders to claim the spoils on their trip to Quito. The draw is a 9/4 chance. 

Football Odds

Team News 

Ecuador defenders Diego Palacios and Leonardo Realpe missed last month's internationals and are again absent. 

Captain Enner Valencia, 34, is set to lead the team out once again while Premier League stars Moises Caicedo, Pervis Estupinan and Piero Hincapie are all in line to start. 

Hull City's Oscar Zambrano could be handed his first senior cap for Ecuador while Leonardo Campana is included in the hosts' squad for the first time in 11 months. 

Paraguay will once again have to do without injured playmaker Jesus Medina. 

Daniel Rivas and Agustin Sandez could both make their senior international debuts in Quito. 

Draw or Paraguay @ 6/5 

Just two points separate these sides heading into Thursday's contest and this could turn out to be a hard-fought affair between two sides battling hard for World Cup qualification. 

Paraguay highlighted their qualities during the September international break, drawing 0-0 in Uruguay before recording a sensational 1-0 victory at home to Brazil. 

Those results have helped Gustavo Alfaro's move within striking distance of the top six and they look capable of claiming a positive result from their trip to La Casa Blanca. 

Ecuador eked out a 1-0 home victory over Peru last month, ending a run of three matches without a win, but the rhythm isn't quite there for La Tricolor and they are still heavily reliant on veteran striker Valencia. 

Any drop off from the hosts will be pounced upon by Paraguay and backing the visitors in the double chance market looks a prudent play. 

Booking points handicap - Paraguay -10 @ 6/4 

Recent clashes between these countries have turned out to be feisty affairs, with 13 yellows and a red shown in the last two meetings. 

Paraguay have picked up eight yellows and the sole red card in that time, and given they are the away side on Thursday, they may have to put in more challenges. 

La Albirroja have been shown 19 yellows in qualifying - eight more than Ecuador - as well as one red and they could incur the wrath of the referee more than their hosts in Quito. 

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