LDU Loja - Emelec

Ecuador Serie A, Primera Etapa

Strange odds for this match. Loja are an average team, with average performances so far: just 2 wins in 8 games, and a 1-2-1 record at home. Also, they are without a win in their last 4 matches, and besides LDU Quito, they had an easy schedule, and they couldn't make it count: lost at home against newly promoted U Catolica, drew at winless Cuenca, and they also lost at El Nacional, thus ending their run of 6 straight defeats. Meanwhile, Emelec seem to be from a totally different galaxy. They have 7 straight wins, 16-3 goal difference, and are obviously topping the table with a whooping 6 points advantage, despite having a match less than second placed LDU Quito. So the current odds are out of place, especially if we think that several bookmakers had set Loja as slight favorites when the market opened. Regarding the absences, Emelec will miss only forward Pablo Zeballos (3/1). Otherwise, reports are giving out a full-strength team for Emelec, without resting key players ahead of their Libertadores match. Meanwhile, Liga de Loja will have two absences: defender Cumbicus (4/0) and forward Armando Wila (5/1). I know that Emelec won't be able to keep this run of form forever, but with these odds, it would be a shame not to try it. GL!

Emelec DNB @ 1.88, 3/10
Result: 1-2, WON