International friendly: How to watch Ecuador vs Argentina live on October 13, 2019

October 11, 2019 By Ali M.

Topics: TV SCHEDULES, ECUADOR, ARGENTINA, INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

These two South American sides will lock horns at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero. Check out our match preview for more info.

What is the form of Ecuador compared to Argentina?

Argentina’s last defeat was their Copa America semi-final loss to Brazil over the summer. Since then, Lionel Scaloni’s men have won twice and drawn twice, the most recent stalemate being a 2-2 draw in a friendly against Germany.

As for Ecuador, they have won their last two games, putting an end to an awful seven-game winless run which saw them lose four games and win three. Those two wins came against Peru and Bolivia.

Ecuador vs Argentina head-to-head record

In their last five showdowns, Argentina have picked up only two wins over Ecuador, losing one and drawing the remaining two. In fact, in their last 10 encounters, La Albiceleste have won only three times (D4, L3). Nonetheless, the overall head-to-head record favors the two-time World Cup champions.

Games played: 34

Ecuador wins: 5

Argentina wins: 19

Draws: 10

Team news

Lionel Messi was not present for the recent draw with Germany and the same is true for this clash with Ecuador. The Barcelona icon is currently serving a three-month international ban for accusing CONMEBOL of rigging the recent Copa America.

And given that the likes of Aguero and Di Maria were not called up, which means Lautaro Martinez and Paulo Dybala will likely continue leading the attack, though neither played a part in the two goals that earned them a draw against Germany.

Key talking point: Who will step up in Messi’s absence?

Messi endured a disappointing Copa America campaign and while the 32-year-old is often criticized for not leading Argentina to a title, he is almost always the man to bail the struggling South American giants. When not at his best, rarely do the others step up.

Given his three-month ban, several players will have their fair shot at the limelight. Lautaro Martinez is one, the upcoming striker who impressed in the Copa America. He is 22 and is showing great promise and with Leo and Aguero not playing, the Inter Milan will be at the head of Scaloni’s attack.

Another candidate is Dybala. The Juventus man is seen as another victim, falling prey to the inconvenience that is playing in a similar style and role to Messi. Whenever the former Palermo talent has been given the opportunity, he hasn’t always delivered, but in all fairness, those chances were few and far between. The opportunity is now there for the taking.