Argentina will host Ecuador in the first round of the World Cup qualifying tournament, making it a special occasion for the home team. This will be Argentina's first official game since their World Cup victory, and they enter the new campaign on a stable footing. Under the guidance of coach Lionel Scaloni, the team has maintained structural and tactical stability, avoiding any significant upheavals.

Although Lionel Messi was initially slated to miss the qualifiers, he has been included in the squad, likely as an exception for this opening match. The Argentinian team boasts a balanced mix of young talent and experienced players. A total of 32 players have been called up, including notable young stars like Fernandez, McCallister, and defenders Foyt and Romero. Up front, Manchester United's young talent, Alejandro Garnacho, is expected to get a chance.

Veteran players like Di Maria and Messi are set to start, and Scaloni is expected to stick with his usual 4-3-3 formation. While Argentina may not deliver an outstanding performance in the qualifiers, the team's emotional drive could lead them to several victories.

Ecuador also had a commendable run in the World Cup. Though they didn't reach the playoffs, they accumulated four points and only suffered a defeat to Senegal in a decisive match. A generational shift is underway in the Ecuadorian team, with young players like former Brighton teammates Caicedo and Estupinyan coming to the forefront. The team, rich with players who have European experience, is undoubtedly among the top five in South America.

However, there is no suitable replacement for striker Enner Valencia, the 33-year-old all-time top scorer for the national team, who continues to be an essential player. Ecuador tends to employ a defensive strategy, with key player Moises Caicedo yet to find his form, as evidenced by his recent performances for Chelsea.

The odds seem to undervalue Ecuador. It's unlikely that this robust team will unravel against Argentina. In the last qualifiers, Argentina narrowly won one match 1-0 while a draw was recorded in Ecuador. Argentina faces an emotional adjustment, and given their pragmatic style of play, a minimal victory would probably suffice for them. Ecuador, with their counterattacking style, should have some opportunities. A blowout victory seems unlikely.