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Surprise package Ecuador will look to extend their unbeaten streak in the CONMEBOL 2018 World Cup qualifying tournament as the team hosts Paraguay at the Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa on Thursday.

Ecuador swept by all their opponents in the first four matches of the competition, with the highlight being a 2-0 victory over Argentina in their opening fixture. La Tricolor then went on to beat Bolivia and Uruguay, 2-0 and 2-1 respectively, in the next two games.

Their most recent qualifying match meanwhile was a 3-1 trouncing of Venezuela at the Estadio Cachamay, in November.

Ecuador's punchy attack of Fidel Martinez, Jefferson Montero and Felipe Caicedo have caused havoc for opponents so far, and will look to continue their exceptional start to qualifying.

Paraguay meanwhile haven't had it so clear, producing a mixed run of form in qualifying. They opened with a 1-0 win over Venezuela, before drawing with Argentina. A poor loss to Peru followed however, before Paraguay got back on track to produce a win over Bolivia - but in unconvincing fashion.

Ecuador tops the overall standings as the only team without a loss so far, while Paraguay sits in fourth spot heading into this round of qualifying.