Mexico vs United States

June 9, 2017
By: Milos Markovic

Buoyed by their respective triumphs over Honduras and Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico and USA lock horns in one of the most anticipated matches of the CONCACAF qualifying for 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Mexico one step closer to Russia

El Tri maintained their unbeaten run after five qualifying rounds having defeated Honduras courtesy of goals from Hirving Lozano, Oswaldo Alanis and Raul Jimenez. Benfica starlet was a surprise inclusion over record-breaker Javier Hernandez but has justified Carlos Osorio’s selection with a quality performance. Mexico now head into the crucial match against United States at Estadio Asteca in high spirits, hoping to preserve their unbeaten record and make another huge step towards securing their Russian visa. The Mexican national team is set to kick off a busy summer with a high-profile match and there is no doubt that only a win will be on Mexico’s mind. El Tri are getting ready for a trip to Russia where they will participate in the FIFA Confederations Cup before returning to the home region to take part in next month’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Javier Hernandez could be recalled to the starting line-up after missing out on the Honduras game. The Mexico boss Carlos Osorio has trimmed his squad by cutting loose Rafa Marquez, Miguel Layun, Jurgen Damm and Andres Guardado.

Bruce Arena continues his run

The new US head coach has managed to extend his unbeaten run since taking over the reins from Jurgen Klinsmann after his team recorded a comfortable 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago which helped them move to third place in the CONCACAF standings. Borussia Dortmund top talent Christian Pulisic once again stepped under the limelight for his national team. The 18-year-old star scored a ten-minute brace in the second half by tapping the opener before slotting in a side-footed finish for a win in Colorado. Pulisic continued his rise at the international level with another stellar performance, whereas it is his confidence that also excites the anticipating US fans. The USMNT team have showed significant improvement over the past couple of years and will hope Bruce Arena will help the team evolve and, hopefully, earn a place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Jozy Altidore could continue as preferred choice upfront in front of Bobby Wood. The likes of Eric Lichaj, Greg Garza and Guyasi Zardes did not make the cut for the current qualifiers.

Verdict

Both Mexico and United States are coming off from a win during the week and will be keen to extend their winning runs. Mexico defeated the USMNT in the reverse leg earlier in the qualifying and most definitely stand as favourites to win again in front of their home crowd.

Top pick: Mexico   1.67 (4/6) @WilliamHill

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score – yes   2.05 (21/20) @10Bet

Alternative pick 2: Over 2.5 goals   2.00 (1/1) @Coral

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