Given their need for a result against a dangerous Brazil side, Ecuador may be forced to move to a more cautious system for Sunday's Copa America group game, with Xavier Arreaga expected to come in to form a back five.
He should shore up the back line alongside the pair of Robert Arboleda and Piero Hincapie at the heart of the defence.
Despite a fairly underwhelming group campaign from Ecuador so far, 19-year-old Hincapie has caught eyes with some mature defensive displays at the back, more than earning his spot for the remainder of the tournament and beyond.
Another young star who has stepped up is Brighton & Hove Albion prospect Moises Caicedo, becoming one of the key men in the Ecuadorian side at the age of 19.
He has formed an impressive midfield pairing alongside Jhegson Mendez, and they should face plenty of action against a dominant Brazil outfit.
Winger Ayrton Preciado will be a key man going forward, having found the net in both of the last two Copa America games.
He will support striker Leonardo Campana, who remains in search of his first international goal.
Ecuador possible starting lineup: Galindez; Angelo Preciado, Arreaga, Hincapie, Arboleda, Estupinan; Mena, Mendez, Caicedo, Ayrton Preciado; Campana
> Click here to see how Brazil could line up for this clash
