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The Kendry Paez show has officially begun, with the future Chelsea midfielder teaming up with current Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo for a tough match between Ecuador and Venezuela. With Group B of the Copa America featuring two CONMEBOL teams, Mexico and Jamaica, it’s anyone’s guess who will advance, making this match even more important as the winner will be in a great position to progress to the knockout stage.
Here’s the storyline, how to watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
Date: Saturday, June 22 | Time: 6pm ET Location: Levi’s Stadium — Santa Clara, California TV: FS1 | Live Stream: Fubo (Try it for free) Odds: Ecuador -124, Draw +265, Venezuela +380
story
Ecuador: Ecuador have a lot in common with their opponents, being a tough team that competes well and is led by an aging striker in Enel Valencia. The difference is that Ecuador’s next generation has also emerged and is showing they can contribute well together to hold down team defences.
Venezuela: Venezuela has not played any warm-up matches ahead of the Copa America, so rustiness could be a factor. Their last game was a close one against Italy back in March, and there’s a lot to like about La Vinotinto, but their slow start to the Copa may be hard to overcome, especially with goals struggling to come outside of Salomon Rondon. The defense will keep Venezuela in check for most of the game, but they’ll need more than one scorer to really progress.
prediction
Goals will be hard to come by in this defensive battle between two teams, but Valencia’s reliable veterans will step in when needed and help Ecuador get off to a strong start in the Copa America. Prediction: Ecuador 1, Venezuela 0
