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Ecuador has the same points and goal difference as their Group topper, the Netherlands. This means la Tri needs at least a draw against Senegal to progress to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup. However, the circumstances aren’t that selfless for Senegal, on the other hand. Having lost their first match to the Netherlands but with the win against Qatar, the African sides have three points and are currently third in the table.

That said a victory is a lifeblood for Senegal to get to the knockouts of the FIFA World Cup 2022. They cannot even rely on Qatar defeating the Dutch as even if that out-of-the-realm possibility becomes reality with some sheer luck it should come with a score of at least 3-0 provided Senegal themselves held a draw against Ecuador.

But the nearest possibility for Senegal is to beat Ecuador themselves. However, the South American side, which has not progressed to the last 16 since 2006, looks more than hungry to reach the knockouts and doesn’t look to be in the mood to compromise. Whatever the case, these two teams are fighting for the other lone qualification spot in Group A with Qatar almost a walk in the park for the Netherlands.

Ecuador Vs Senegal Expected Lineups

Ecuador has one major concern heading into the game against Senegal with quite a nervousness if not the pressure. Their so-far hero, Enner Valencia, currently the joint-top scorer of the tournament had to leave the pitch midway into the game versus the Netherlands after suffering an injury. He now is doubtful to be on the starting line for Senegal’s match. Consequently, Kevin Rodriguez looks probable to come into the attacking area if Valencia becomes actually unavailable.

Senegal looks better in terms of players’ fitness as the African nation has no injury concern ahead of match day 3 though Nottingham Forest central midfielder Chiekhou Kouyate is set to miss out again. Some of the men from Qatar win, Marseille forward Bamba Dieng and Tottenham mid, Pape Matar Sarr, are possible candidates to power up the midfield. Abdou Diallo is also an expected face in the upcoming fixture.

Possible Lineups

Ecuador: Galindez; Porozo, Torres, Hincapie; Preciado, Mendez, Caicedo, Estupinan; Plata, Sarmiento; Estrada

Senegal: Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Diallo, Jakobs; Sarr, Mendy, Gueye, Diatta; Dia, Diedhiou

Ecuador Vs Senegal Predictions

Senegal couldn’t be missing Bayern Munich’s star forward Sadio Mane more now than ever. The striker was ruled out of the tournament just some days before its kickoff and in the last two matches especially against the Netherlands, his absence was more obvious.

In light of their recent match against the Netherlands, Ecuador is a proven team to not just sit back annoyingly but also give enough problems to their opponents’ box. They had four shots on target against the Oranje and the Dutch also blocked seven good shots from the South American nation. Furthermore, Ecuador had 5 corners against the Netherlands’ two and even hit one woodwork. Not to mention the Tricolor also dominated the xG at 1.68 versus the Dutch’s 0.10.

Worth noting is Senegal has never recorded a victory against South American teams at the World Cup and beating a streak for the moment seems implausible. They also had low xG even against Qatar and versus the Netherlands, they hardly came across as a threat.

A win against Ecuador is as hard as an iron battle for Senegal but coach Alvaro Gustafo’s men this season or better yet in this group just don’t look like the team to concede the whole match. Ecuador’s game against the Dutch where they had the three-time World Cup finalists on their heels is just unmissable when talking about their winning potential.

We, therefore, are going with a neck-and-neck one-nil win for Ecuador on this one.

Predicted Scoreline: Ecuador 1-0 Senegal

Ecuador Vs Senegal Previous Meetings

The two teams have only met once before this competition way back in 2002 and the game was won by Ecuador with a score of 1-0.

Ecuador Vs Senegal Odds

Bet 365 has kept the South Americans as the slight favorites with the odds of 11/8 (2.37). Senegal on the other hand has been handed a numeric likelihood of 9/4 (3.25) to crush the hope of Ecuador’s qualification. The game likewise is being provided with the odds of 11/5 (3.20) to end in a draw.

The men in terms of probability to appear in the scoresheet respectively are Enner Valencia (5/1), Michael Estrada (13/2), and Senegal’s Boulaye Dia (7/1).