Prediction: Mexico vs El Salvador

Prediction: Mexico win

Best Odds: 1/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

While the Euros and Copa America may now officially be in the books, that doesn’t mean we’re done with the onslaught of international tournaments this summer – courtesy of the Gold Cup. It’s often pretty easy to know what kind of direction we’re heading in for an event such as this, and thankfully for fans, we’ve been gifted with the game that should provide a fair amount of sparkle: Mexico vs El Salvador.

Mexico

While the focus for Mexico will largely be on the curse of the fifth game and qualifying for the World Cup next year, we also think there are plenty of reasons to believe they can make a real go at the Gold Cup. They haven’t exactly come flying out of the blocks which nobody really expected them to do anyway, and while Raul Jimenez may be away, they can lean on different players to try and step up to the talisman role.

Team News

Funes Mori was able to get back amongst the goals in his last game and is expected to feature again as a result here. Corona should start up top with Gallardo, Salcedo, Araujo and Alvarez being the expected back four.

El Salvador

They aren’t particularly high up on the FIFA world rankings and winning a major trophy isn’t even a legitimate consideration for them, but El Salvador are so much fun to watch. They’ve got a solid defensive structure with players who aren’t afraid to attack in unconventional ways, often ending in a 50/50 success rate. Moving forward, they’ll definitely be one to watch – and not just in this tournament.

Team News

Gonzalez is the main man in goal for El Salvador and will be key to their continued progression in this competition. Moreno and Martinez will hope to start, Ceren will slot in just behind them and Rivas will battle to play some kind of role.

Factors to Consider

• Mexico are not only favourites to win this game, but one of the favourites to win the whole Gold Cup.
• Mexico have won one and drawn one of their Gold Cup games.
• El Salvador have won both of their Gold Cup games.
• Mexico have scored three goals and conceded zero at the Gold Cup.
• El Salvador have scored four goals and conceded zero at the Gold Cup.

Conclusion

El Salvador are definitely going to give the Mexicans a bloody nose, in our opinion, but we think this is where the favourites are really going to spread their wings and prove why they’re so known for their heart and determination as a nation. We’re expecting a bit of a blood and guts affair with both getting their shots off, but in the end, Mexico will win 2-1 to set themselves up perfectly for the next phase of the competition.

Prediction: Mexico win

Best Odds: 1/4

Bookmaker: 888sport