Mexico step up preparations for the 2017 Confederations Cup with a friendly game against Republic of Ireland at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The Irish arrive in the United States with a youthful squad as key men are rested for games against Uruguay and Austria.

El Tri are set for a busy month of international fixtures as they are set to face Honduras and United States in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers before they appear at the 2017 Confederations Cup.

The qualifying campaign has been progressing nicely as Mexico are three points clear after four rounds of fixtures and two more wins would all but book another ticket to Russia.

Considering the number of games coming up, head coach Juan Carlos Osorio decided to call 32 players and he will trim down the squad after the Republic of Ireland friendly.

Following the 2-1 loss to Croatia, El Tri will want to show some improvement and they can be backed at 8/13 to see off Ireland at MetLife Stadium.

The head coach is widely expected to make 11 changes to the side that played few days ago, while Jesus Corona, Jesus Duenas and Nestor Araujo are definitely out.

Alfredo Talavera and Rafael Marquez are expected to play a part, while Andres Guardado, Javier Hernandez and Carlos Vela should be recalled.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Talavera – R. Lopez, Salcedo, Marquez, Gallardo – J. dos Santos, Guardado – Vela, G. dos Santos, Damm – Javier Hernandez.

Republic of Ireland have finally enjoyed some success on international stage, first qualifying for the Euro 2016 before reaching the knockout stages and almost shocking hosts France at the tournament finals.

Riding the wave of a good showing in France, the Irish enjoyed a bright start to the 2018 World Cup qualifiers despite being placed in a very difficult group.

Midway through the campaign, Republic of Ireland are level on points with leaders Serbia, while four points clear of both Wales and Austria.

Before the all-important home game against Austria, Martin O’Neill’s side will face Mexico and Uruguay in international friendlies, and they head into first one of those with a severely weakened squad.

Namely, a number of Premier League stars opted out of the trip to the USA, leaving Wes Hoolahan, James McClean and Daryl Murphy as the only notable players in the squad.

Meanwhile, Kevin Long, Alan Browne and Ronan Curtis could get the opportunity to win their first caps, while James McClean is expected to wear the captain’s armband.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): Doyle – Christie, Long, Boyle, Pearce – McClean, O’Kane, Hourihane, O’Dowda – Hoolahan – Murphy.