Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Prediction: Mexico vs Canada

Tom Dunstan in Free Soccer Predictions 29 Jul 2021

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Verdict: Mexico win & under four goals

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two nations who are looking to book their spot in the final of this year’s Gold Cup, Mexico and Canada will face off at the NRG Stadium in the early hours of Friday morning.

Mexico

Starting with Mexico, while Gerardo Martino’s men might have opened their quarter-finals contest against Honduras last week as a landslide pick, the defending Gold Cup champions really laid down another marker. Putting in a professional display at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale five days ago, The Tricolor picked up a routine 3-0 victory and the mood in their camp should be at a real high. Despite being disappointed to have eventually settled for a 0-0 stalemate against Trinidad and Tobago in a Group A contest on July 11th, that was just the most minor of blips for the one-time Barcelona boss. Storming their way to the knockout stage after coming through Group A unbeaten, Mexico are enjoying a real purple patch. Tipped as the leading contender to defend their crown this summer, Martino’s squad have really impressed with their performances at the back. The Tricolor are yet to concede a single goal in any of their matchups at this year’s Gold Cup.

Team News

Forward Hirving Lozano will once again miss out on Friday as he is still dealing with a concussion.

Both coming into the starting XI last weekend and impressing, the duo of Alan Cervantes and Rodolfo Pizarro will be hoping to retain their spots.

Canada

As for Canada, while The Reds might have signed off their Group B run with a hugely frustrating 1-0 loss against bitter rivals USA earlier in the month, they too have gained plenty of plaudits this summer. Dominating large spells of their meeting against the Americas after shipping a goal in the opening seconds, John Herdman’s side managed to shrug off that result with an impressive display last weekend. Despite many at this summer’s Gold Cup feeling that a game Costa Rica could ask some real questions, The Canucks picked up a deserved 2-0 victory in Arlington, a game where keeper Maxime Crepeau didn’t have to make a single save. While Canada might have their sights set on springing an upset at the NRG Stadium this week, it should be noted that they do hold what is a worrying record against the defending champions. Previously hit with a 3-1 defeat when they last faced off against Mexico back in 2019 at the Gold Cup, The Reds have now lost each of their last four straight showdowns against Mexico.

Team News

Canada have confirmed that Cyle Larin will miss the remainder of this summer’s Gold Cup as he deals with a muscle injury.

Former Cardiff City winger Junior Hoilett will once again start in attack after finding the net last weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

    • When Friday’s opponents last faced off at the Gold Cup back in 2018, Mexico picked up a 3-1 victory.
    • In fact, the defending champions have won each of their last four straight meetings against The Reds.
    • All four of Canada’s Gold Cup matchups this summer have seen a goal in the first-half.
    • Including their pre-tournament run, Canada have won nine of their last 10 matchups across all formats.
    • Mexico are yet to concede a single goal at this year’s Gold Cup.

    Conclusion

    While Canada might have once again gained plenty of plaudits over the summer, they will know they face a huge task in the early hours of Friday morning. Facing off against the defending Gold Cup champions, it is no secret that many have tipped Mexico as a standout pick to defend their crown. Once again impressing with a dominant display against Honduras last weekend, The Tricolor are yet to taste defeat at this year’s tournament. Holding a rampant record against The Reds and winning each of their last four straight meetings against Canada, we’re backing a Mexico win here, even if we do expect few goals at the NRG Stadium.

    Verdict: Mexico win & under four goals

    Best Odds: 21/20

    Bookmaker: Unibet

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Tom Dunstan


    Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
    Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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