Emelec - LDU Loja

Ecuador Serie A, Primera Etapa

Both teams have started the league with a win, but the difference in quality is still there, in Emelec's favor. Today's hosts are gunning for the title, while their less famous opponents will probably be happy just to remain in the league. LDU have beaten El Nacional in the first league, but it was mainly because El Nacional have been playing awfully, despite having an extra-man for almost an hour. Nothing impressive from Loja's part, and I don't expect an enthusiastic result today, especially since they will miss two defenders (Omar de Jesus and Renan Calle) who are not fit. Meanwhile, Emelec produced a solid display against Espoli, winning it 2-1, and for today they will have some more good news, as two of their recent transfers will make their debut: striker Strahman (who has already scored for Emelec in a friendly match) and Edison Mendez (who returns to Ecuador after a bad injury-struck season in Brazil), who is likely to relish the return to Ecuadorian football. The handicap line is higher than my liking, but LDU shouldn't be much of a challenge for Emelec, and I can't see anything lower than a 2-0 for the hosts. GL!

Emelec (-1.25 AH) @ 1.73, 5/10

Result: 3-2, HALF LOST