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Ecuador vs. Brazil predicted lineups, team news, score prediction: Ancelotti debuts in World Cup qualifying
Kyle Bonn
Quito, Ecuador– The spotlight burns intensely on the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado this Saturday as Ecuador hosts Brazil in a pivotal CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier (5 PM ET). But the biggest story surrounds the visitors: Carlo Ancelotti is expected to officially take the reins as Brazil's head coach, marking his highly anticipated debut on the international stage.
Ecuador Team News & Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
La Tri face significant absences. Key midfielder Moises Caicedo (suspended) and veteran striker Enner Valencia (injured) are major blows. Defender Robert Arboleda is also out. Expect a gritty, defensively focused setup leveraging Quito's altitude. Youngster Kendry Paez should feature prominently in attack.
Predicted:Dominguez; Preciado, Torres, Pacho, Hincapie; Franco, Gruezo; Sarmiento, Paez, Yeboah; Rodriguez.
Brazil Team News & Predicted XI (4-3-3):
While Ancelotti's presence dominates headlines, his immediate impact might be structural rather than radical selection. Vinicius Junior (suspended) is a colossal miss. Neymar (recovering from ACL) and Casemiro (injured) are also absent. Teenage sensation Endrick could earn his first competitive start. Expect a solid midfield trio anchored by Bruno Guimaraes.
Predicted: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Arana; Guimaraes, Gomes, Paqueta; Raphinha, Endrick, Rodrygo.
Tactical Outlook:
Ecuador, formidable at home (despite a points deduction), will rely on intense pressing and quick transitions, exploiting Paez's creativity. Brazil, under new leadership and missing key stars, face a stern test. Ancelotti will prioritize defensive solidity and look to unlock Ecuador with the pace of Raphinha and Rodrygo, plus Endrick's movement. Controlling midfield without Casemiro is crucial.
Score Prediction: Ecuador 1-1 Brazil
The combination of Ecuador's fierce home advantage, key absences for both sides, and the potential settling-in period for Ancelotti points towards a hard-fought draw. Ecuador's physicality and altitude can unsettle Brazil, but the Seleção's individual quality should be enough to secure a valuable away point in this challenging opening fixture of the Ancelotti era. Expect a tight, potentially cagey affair.
Total Comments: 1
Nice prediction