The Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez is the stage for this highly-anticipated encounter as Colombia and Ecuador go head-to-head in the South American World Cup Qualifiers. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.

In 51 head-to-head encounters between the two sides, Colombia have been the dominant side with 25 wins and 13 losses. They got the better of their opponents in this summer's Copa America with the aid of a 1-0 victory.

A clash in the top five

Colombia currently sit in fifth place on the standings and if they finish in that position, they compete in the inter-confederation playoffs. They did very well to be on the 2021 Copa America podium when they claimed 3rd position and since that penalty shootout loss to Messi's Argentina in the semifinals, they haven't lost a game since. In a run that has spanned across five CONMEBOL Qualifiers matches, Reinaldo Rueda and his troops have picked up just a win, however, with the remaining four ending in stalemates Those draws would need to turn into wins, however, with the chasing pack which comprises of Paraguay, Peru and Chile making up ground.

Ecuador disappointingly lost to the bottom-ranked side in Venezuela in their most recent game. Enner Valencia's well-taken penalty could only add to the game's stats as Ecuador recorded a 2-1 defeat. Ecuador is still in the automatic qualification discussion, however, having amassed 16 points from a possible 33 for 3rd place. Nevertheless, Ecuador has lost two of their last three qualifiers matches and would need to slightly better their form in the final seven games in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers if they're to make it through to Qatar next year.

Colombia vs Ecuador Team News

Colombia possible starting XI:
Ospina; Medina, Sanchez, Mina, Tesillo; Cuadrado, Lerma, Uribe, Diaz; Borre, Falcao

Ecuador possible starting XI:
Ramirez; Arboleda, Torres, Hincapie; Estupinan, Gruezo, Caicedo, Preciado; Mena, Valencia, Plata

Colombia vs Ecuador Prediction: 2-1

In their most recent game, Colombia became the first side to stop Brazil from winning in the South American World Cup Qualifiers. This stretched their unbeaten run to six games in all competitions and given that the visitors haven't been at their best of late, we're tempted to go for a home win.