How Ecuador could line up against Venezuela

© Reuters

Ecuador go into Monday's Copa America clash against Venezuela on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in their opening game, leaving manager Gustavo Alfaro with several decisions to make with regard to his squad.

They should again be led by talismanic forward Enner Valencia, who has netted 31 goals in 58 appearances for his nation.

Winger Gonzalo Plata earned himself a starting spot for the first Copa America game after he found the net in their final game prior to the tournament, and he should support the front line of Valencia and Michael Estrada again on Sunday.

Behind the front two, Ecuador boast an exciting midfield pairing, as Jhegson Mendez partners up alongside Brighton & Hove Albion prospect Moises Caicedo, who has made six international appearances at the age of 19.

Caicedo netted his first international goal to put Ecuador 1-0 up in a 4-2 win over Uruguay last year, and he offers plenty of threat going forward.

After a fairly solid performance in their narrow opening defeat to Colombia, Alfaro has no real reason to change his defence, with Angel Preciado, Robert Arboleda, Piero Hincapie and Pervis Estupinan expected to line up across the back four again.

They will line up in front of goalkeeper Pedro Ortiz, who only recently broke into the national team at the age of 31.

Ecuador possible starting lineup: Ortiz; Preciado, Arboleda, Hincapie, Estupinan; Plata, Caicedo, Mendez, Martinez; Estrada, Valencia

> Click here to see how Venezuela could line up for this clash