Ecuador and Venezuela both want to kickstart their Copa America 2024 campaign as they meet at Levi's Stadium on Saturday, but the Copa America 2024 odds have Ecuador as heavy favorites.
Despite enjoying a promising start to life under new head coach Fernando Batista, Venezuela are not among the favorites in this tournament. On the other hand, Ecuador have shown grit in the World Cup qualifiers, and my Ecuador vs. Venezuela predictions think they are likely to come out on top.
Ecuador vs Venezuela picks, predictions, and betting tips
My best bet:
Ecuador to win (-115 at Betano)
My analysis
Venezuela will compete at their 20th Copa America tournament this summer. They only lost one of their last six competitive matches under Fernando Batista, who celebrated a year in charge last March. Positive results included a 3-0 convincing win over Chile and a draw against Brazil.
Venezuela still relies on veteran striker Salomon Rondon, the nation's all-time leading marksman, but a key role should also be played by Yangel Herrera, who's been on form for Girona in the Spanish top tier throughout the season. With Herrera among those who constantly delivered, Girona was the surprise of the season in La Liga, clinching a Champions League seat at the campaign's conclusion. Venezuela is playing attractive football, so we should expect an open game when they meet Ecuador on Saturday.
The Ecuadorians count on another veteran in Enner Valencia. The 34-year-old left Europe in 2023 to join Internacional in the Brazilian League. He's now at 41 goals for his national team and will look to improve his numbers in the U.S. this summer.
Alongside Valencia, Kevin Rodriguez from Belgian overachievers Union Saint-Gilloise should also play an important role when scoring goals is mentioned. Other key players for Ecuador include Chelsea's Moises Caicedo, as well as Felix Torres from Corinthians, German Bundesliga champion Piero Huncapie from Bayer Leverkusen, and Willian Pacho from Eintracht Frankfurt. Ecuador mix experience with some highly-talented young players and hope to see them deliver on the big Copa America 2024 scene.
In the three friendlies they played in June, Ecuador lost narrowly to Argentina, 1-0, then won after solid displays against Bolivia, 3-1, and Honduras, 2-1. On the other hand, Venezuela weren't involved in any pre-tournament action. Their last two friendlies were against Italy and Guatemala in March. Venezuela lost to Italy, 2-1, and were held by Guatemala in a 0-0 bore draw.
The previous confrontation between Venezuela and Ecuador ended in a 0-0 draw in Maturin last November.
Overall, Ecuador are more consistent and have built momentum under Felix Sanchez over the past months. The 48-year-old Sanchez is a continental cup winner, as he surprisingly triumphed in the Asian Cup with Qatar back in 2019. That detail might also be of service during a final tournament which announces itself as highly intense and evenly balanced.
I would opt for an Ecuador win based on the superior quality of its players and the tactical adaptability and decision-making skills of Sanchez.
Ecuador vs Venezuela same-game parlay (SGP)
Ecuador to win
Ecuador to score first
Enner Valencia anytime scorer
Ecuador scored two goals inside the first 25 minutes in the friendly match vs. Bolivia (3-1) on June 13, then netted after just eight minutes to open the scoring against Honduras (2-1) three days later. They like to make a statement early in the game and the matchup on Saturday will be no different. Ecuador will look to score fast.
Enner Valencia hit the net in front of Bolivia to end a five-match goal drought. He is a big-game player for his national team, with the latest proof coming at the 2022 World Cup. He scored twice against none other than his current coach, who was then in charge of Qatar, then delivered in front of the Netherlands too as Ecuador held them to a 1-1 draw.
Valencia is always dangerous and a real scare provider for his opponents, despite missing a lot of the opportunities he creates. Adding him as an anytime scorer for this match rounds up a nice +215 return for this SGP.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Ecuador vs Venezuela odds
| Ecuador | Venezuela | |
|---|---|---|
| -115 | Moneyline | +400 |
| Over 2.5 (+135) | Total | Under 2.5 (-167) |
| +245 | Draw | +245 |
Odds courtesy of Betano on 6-20.
Ecuador vs Venezuela game info
| Location: | Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA |
| Date: | Saturday, June 22, 2024 |
| Time: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Weather: | 93F, 12 mph winds, 0% PoP |
Not intended for use in MA.
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