Argentina and Ecuador go at each other in this CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers opener at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti. Both teams will be keen on getting their qualifying campaigns underway with a positive result. Which team grabs the three points for themselves?

Argentina has a much better head-to-head record with twenty wins in 35 meetings against Ecuador. La Tricolo has managed only 10 wins in this period. Messi grabbed a scintillating hat-trick in the last competitive meeting between these two sides. The six-time Balon d'Or winner, with that performance, booked his nation a place in the 2018 World Cup.

Feisty opener in our hands

Argentina commences this WC qualifying campaign as they go in search of their first national team title since 1986. Disappointments in several world cup and Copa America finals since that time has led to the downfall of La Albiceleste in recent memory. Lionel Messi and Co. will once again try to secure their first international title and will be keen on establishing dominance right from the get-go.

Ecuador haven't really impressed in recent international tournaments. Most especially in the 2019 Copa America in which they finished at the bottom of Group C. This would be Gustavo Alfaro's first game as Ecuador manager since he took over back in August. Will the Argentine manage a win in his first game in charge?

Argentina vs Ecuador Team News

Argentina possible starting XI:

Martinez; Montiel, Otamendi, Martinez, Tagliafico; de Paul, Paredes, Lo Celso; Messi, Gomez; Lautaro

Ecuador possible starting XI:

Dominguez; Preciado, Arreaga, Torres, Estupinan; Mena, Mendez, Franco; Ibarra, Valencia, Ibarra

Argentina vs Ecuador Prediction: 3-1

Argentina's defensive weaknesses are expected to be exploited by the quick counter-attacking style of Ecuador. However, with players like Messi and Dybala, we expect Scaloni's troops to create and score a few goals. As a result, we believe that the home team are well worth backing for this game.