Ecuador and Uruguay will face off in a crucial World Cup qualifying match.
Both sides are tied for fourth place with 22 points and neither has officially clinched a top spot. Venezuela currently has 19 points with only one game remaining; if Venezuela manages to win its final game and either Ecuador and Uruguay lose its final two games, then Venezuela could clinch the playoff spot and send one side home. This scenario, while unlikely, is possible. Ecuador faces Chile in its final game, while Uruguay has to host Argentina.
What is more likely is that both sides qualify; the question is where they finish. The winner of this team likely finishes among the top four, while the fifth place team must face Jordan in a two-legged tie to qualify for the tournament.
The winner of this match will only need one point to clinch a top four spot. The two teams drew 1-1 in their previous encounter on Sept. 11, 2012. However, Uruguay was struggling back then and was just starting a lengthy winless streak. After the 2013 Confederations Cup, the South American contingent has looked solid and has managed victories over top clubs like Colombia.
Both teams can finish in the top four if either Colombia or Chile loses their game. Ecuador would then need to defeat Chile, and Colombia would need to lose to Peru; Uruguay would also have to defeat Argentina to pull off the feat. A draw would be mortal to either club as they would only garner a maximum of 26 points; Colombia already has that same amount of points thus far. A draw in the Colombia and Chile game would still make ensure a top-four finish for either side.
Prediction: Uruguay and Ecuador draw 1-1.
Start Time: 5 p.m. EST
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