Argentina vs Ecuador- Expected Starting Lineups, Injuries, Predictions, Head-to-Head Stats, Live Stream & TV Channels for Copa America 2024

After the Copa America 2024 group stages, we are finally onto the knockout phases. The first quarter-final match is set to take place between Argentina and Ecuador on Thursday, July 4, 20:00 GMT at the NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas. This match is crucial for both sides, as the losing team will see their journey in the prestigious tournament end.

Argentina enters the match with a strong foot. Lionel Messi and Co. topped Group A with 9 points and won all the matches against Canada, Chile, and Peru. On the other hand, Ecuador progressed through the group stages by inches. While Venezuela topped Group B with three perfect wins, Ecuador was tied with Mexico on 4 points but managed to squeeze into the top two by just a goal difference, with Jamaica finishing at the bottom.

Argentina and Ecuador are meeting again within a month, as both sides played a friendly fixture on June 10 before entering the tournament. The World Champions had clinched a narrow victory thanks to Angel Di Maria’s first-half strike while Messi was on rest.

Argentina vs Ecuador: Team news

Injuries

Argentina

Mr. Captain Lionel Messi missed the final group stage match against Peru after feeling discomfort in his hamstring. The match against Chile saw him sustain a knock but he still managed to complete the game. Though he didn’t sustain any serious blow, the rest in Matchday 3 was given more so he could rest for the quarter-final fixture.

The 36-year-old was seen taking part in training with the whole team. In fact, he wasn’t alone, as the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nahuel Molina were also rested. Hence, with no injuries whatsoever, Lionel Scaloni has a fit squad to choose from.

Ecuador

Ecuador also doesn’t have any injuries as such. Though their record goalscorer Enner Valencia missed Matchday 3 due to suspension, he came in the final group stage match to play the 90 minutes. Rest; Felix Sanchez has a fit roster to choose from.

Predicted lineups

Argentina predicted starting XI (4-3-3): E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Di Maria, De Paul, Mac Allister; Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Alvarez

Ecuador predicted starting XI (4-3-3): Dominguez; Preciado, Torres, Pacho, Hincapie; Franco, M. Caicedo; Yeboah, Paez, Sarmiento; Valencia

Head-to-head and prediction

Matches played: 17

Won by Argentina: 9

Won by Ecuador: 3

Draw: 5

There’s no doubt about the quality of Ecuador and they have what it takes to frustrate Argentina. They will have sufficient chances to showcase their attacking prowess against the 2022 World Cup winners. However, that won’t be enough to see them knock out the reigning champions easily as it’s Lionel Messi and Co. who will progress to the semi-finals. We reckon Argentina 2-1 Ecuador.

How to livestream and watch Argentina vs Ecuador on TV?

Fans in the United States can catch the action live on channels like FS1, TUDN USA, and Univision. The live stream can be watched on Fubo, Fox Sports app/website, TUDN app/website, Univision Now, and ViX. Meanwhile, UK fans can watch Uruguay vs USMNT on Premier Sports 1 and live stream on Premier Sports Player.