Prediction: Mexico vs Canada

Verdict: Mexico win & under four goals

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two nations who turn their attention back towards booking a spot at next year’s World Cup finals, Mexico will welcome Canada to the Estadio Azteca in the early hours of Friday morning.

Mexico

Starting with the hosts, after being last seen having to settle for a 1-1 draw away at Panama when drawing an end to September’s international break, there is no doubt that Mexico are still trying to shake off their Gold Cup heartbreak. Watching the USA snatch away their crown back on August 2nd thanks to a stunning extra-time winner, the Tricolor will be hoping that the break has helped them. Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways when they head to the Estadio Azteca this week, Head Coach Gerardo Martino still finds his side leading the chase to book a spot at next year’s World Cup finals. Managing to muster seven points from their opening three contests, Mexico open Friday’s showdown holding a two-point buffer over the chasing pack. Unbeaten in each of their last 10 qualifying matchups on home soil, the former Barcelona boss should be confident of his side laying down a marker here.

Team News

In what is a real boost for Mexico this week, Napoli’s Hirving Lozano has made his return to the international set-up, alongside Wolves striker Raul Jimenez.

However, Celta Vigo’s Diego Lainez will be missing on Friday as he battles with an injury issue.

Canada

As for the visitors, managing to sign off last month’s international break with a thumping 3-0 win against El Salvador on home soil, there is no doubt that Canada will be hoping to start from where they finished. Landing their first qualifying victory at the third attempt, John Herdman’s side are desperate to secure a spot at next year’s World Cup finals. Opening their run with back-to-back 1-1 draws against Honduras and the USA, Les Rouges will be more than aware that they should face a stern test on foreign soil here. Watching Mexico end their Gold Cup adventure over the summer after suffering a deserved 2-1 defeat, it should be noted that Canada do hold a worrying record against Friday’s hosts. Including three straight defeats when making the trip to Mexico, Herdman’s men have lost each of their last five meetings against the Tricolor across all formats.

Team News

Canada are still sweating over the fitness of both Lucas Cavallini and Atiba Hutchinson, with the duo expected to undergo a late fitness test.

However, Junior Hoilett will not feature this week due to travel restrictions.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off at the Gold Cup over the summer, Mexico picked up a 2-1 victory.
• In fact, Friday’s hosts have won each of their last five straight meetings against Canada.
• Canada’s 3-0 win against El Salvador last month was just their second win from their previous six matchups across all formats.
• Likewise, Les Rouges have managed to win just one of their previous four contests on foreign soil.
• Mexico have scored over 1.5 goals in each of their last seven straight meetings against Canada.

Conclusion

While Mexico would have been disappointed to have had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Panama last month, Friday’s hosts are still tipped as a standout pick to secure their spot at next year’s World Cup finals. Already holding a two-point buffer at the top of the table, Gerardo Martino’s men will be glad to make a return to home soil here. Knocking Canada out of the Gold Cup over the summer, the Tricolor will also be boosted by what is a rampant record against Les Rouges. Winning each of their last five straight meetings and bagging themselves at least a pair of goals in their last seven consecutive showdowns, we’re backing a similar home victory in the early hours of Friday.

Verdict: Mexico win & under four goals

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Unibet