Ecuador and Chile will complete the second round of group matches in Salvador on Saturday.
Ecuador will be desperate for a win following their 4-0 thrashing against Uruguay in their opening match. Chile beat Japan by the same score line in their first game with a dominant display.
Chile are chasing a third consecutive Copa America triumph and began the defense of their title in emphatic fashion.
Erick Pulgar put them ahead against Japan, heading in from a corner in the 41st minute. Eduardo Vargas bagged a brace and Alexis Sanchez also found the net from close range.
The South Americans outplayed the guest nation in every department and dismissed any doubts about their quality coming into the tournament.
On the other hand, Ecuador showed very little to suggest that they can compete with the more established teams in the continent after their hammering against Uruguay.
They managed just 2 attempts on goal in their opening match and rarely threatened the Uruguayan defense.
To make matters worse, defender Jose Quinteros was sent off with just 24 minutes on the clock for an elbow on Nicolas Lodeiro.
He was initially shown a yellow card but it was converted to a red after referee Anderson Daronco consulted VAR. He will now miss the match against Chile through suspension.
Chile have no fresh injuries or suspensions and Reinaldo Rueda is likely to field the same line-up that did so well for him against Japan in their first match.
👋 Adiós Sao PauloTras la gran victoria sobre Japón, ahora #LaRoja se traslada a Salvador para el duelo ante #Ecuador 😍 ¡Cuánto cariño para @kingarturo23! pic.twitter.com/Izwcaj2S0f— Selección Chilena (@LaRoja) June 18, 2019
👋 Adiós Sao PauloTras la gran victoria sobre Japón, ahora #LaRoja se traslada a Salvador para el duelo ante #Ecuador 😍 ¡Cuánto cariño para @kingarturo23! pic.twitter.com/Izwcaj2S0f
This will be the 54th meeting between Chile and Ecuador, with their first encounter coming all the way back in 1939.
Chile have 29 wins to their name whilst Ecuador have won 12. Judging by both teams’ performances in the opening round, it is highly unlikely that Ecuador will be adding to their tally on Saturday.
Alexis Sanches scored one goal and created another against Japan and his form will be to vital to Chile’s chances of claiming a third straight Copa.
After a dismal domestic season with Manchester United, he seems to have found his form at just the right time and Ecuador will be well aware of what he is capable of.
Their match against Uruguay will have been a big wake up call for Ecuador. They are likely to sit back a lot more against Chile, making them tough to break down.
Forebet predicts a close match however Chile should have too much quality for Ecuador.