Colombia and Ecuador will face off in a crucial CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday evening at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez.

The two South American rivals are separated by just three points in the table, making this an important clash in the race to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

Match Preview

Colombia have had a mixed campaign so far, winning 5, drawing 4, and losing 2 of their 11 matches. They suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat against Uruguay in their last outing, despite a late fightback.

Liverpool’s Luis Diaz has been in fine form, scoring 16 goals for his country, while Jhon Duran of Aston Villa has also impressed. However, the form of James Rodriguez has been a concern.

Ecuador, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their last 4 matches, including a 4-0 thrashing of Bolivia in their previous game.

Gonzalo Plata netted a brace, while veteran striker Enner Valencia and Alan Minda also got on the scoresheet.

The Tricolor have the best defensive record in the group, conceding just 4 goals in 11 matches.

Colombia’s recent form has been inconsistent, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in their last 5 matches. The defeat against Uruguay was particularly heartbreaking, as they conceded a late winner after leveling the scores in the 96th minute.

Ecuador, meanwhile, are in good form, with 3 wins and 2 draws in their previous 5 outings.

Head-to-Head

The two teams have met 49 times in their history, with Colombia holding a slight advantage. They have won 23 matches, while Ecuador have won 13, with 13 draws.

In their last 5 encounters, Colombia have won 2, Ecuador have won 1, and there has been 2 draws.

Team News

Colombia have no new injury concerns following the Uruguay match, and head coach Lorenzo is expected to name an unchanged side.

Ecuador will welcome back Moises Caicedo from suspension, and he is likely to feature in midfield alongside Plata, Valencia, and Minda.

Predicted Starting Line-ups

Colombia:(4-3-1-2)

Vargas;

Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica;

Rios, Portilla, Arias;

Quintero;

Duran, Diaz

Ecuador: (4-5-1)

Galindez;

Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie, Estupinan;

Yeboah, Plata, Caicedo, Vite, Minda;

Valencia

Prediction

This promises to be a tight and closely contested affair between two evenly matched teams.

Ecuador’s defensive solidity and the goal-scoring threat of Enner Valencia make them a tough opponent, but Colombia’s attacking firepower, led by Diaz and Duran, could prove to be the difference.

Ultimately, a draw seems the most likely outcome, as both teams look to secure a valuable point in their quest for World Cup qualification.

• Score Prediction: Colombia 1-1 Ecuador

Betting Tips

– Match Result: Draw
– Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Under
– First Goalscorer: Enner Valencia
– Both Teams to Score: Yes