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.
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.
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.
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Total Comments: 1
Nice prediction