Prediction: Mexico vs Iceland

Prediction: Mexico win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: 888sport

Domestic leagues across Europe have largely come to an end and now, the core focus needs to be on what’s going to happen at the Euros and the Olympics this summer. Alas, while it’s understandable for fans to get excited about that, there are also a few international friendlies out there that are worth keeping an eye on – including this one. We are, of course, referring to Mexico vs Iceland which will go down later tonight at AT&T Stadium in Texas.

Mexico

With the CONCACAF Nations League being right around the corner, Mexico are using this as a warm-up before they lock horns with Costa Rica in just a few short days. As a country they will always be looking towards the World Cup and seeing what they can do to try and break the curse of the fifth game, but they need to take things one step at a time. The pieces are in place for them to succeed, and they just need to act on them.

Team News

Jimenez hasn’t been cleared to feature for Mexico with Montes also being out through injury. Antuna, Sanchez and Rodriguez have all been kept in the squad despite being eligible for the Olympics.

Iceland

They may have been Europe’s sweetheart back in 2016 but in 2021, Iceland won’t be returning to the big stage of the European Championship. Instead, they’ll have to regroup and start preparing for the World Cup next year – and they’ll be doing so without really knowing what the future of their squad is going to look like. Are they still in the midst of a golden generation, or is this the time where their fairytale story comes to an end?

Team News

Arnason, Traustason and Sigurdsson have all withdrawn from the squad head of the trip to the United States. As such, this period of discovery will go on for Iceland with their hope seemingly being that they can start to find a few more gems – with Bodvarsson, as always, being tipped to start up top for the visitors here.

Factors to Consider

• Iceland have failed to beat Mexico in all four of their previous meetings.
• Mexico have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Iceland have won one and lost five of their last six games.
• Mexico have scored nine goals and conceded five in their last six games.
• Iceland have scored six goals and conceded 14 in their last six games.

Conclusion

This should serve as a really interesting clash of styles for two nations who are in very different positions in terms of their immediate future. Still, even though it’s a friendly, the spectacle of the stadium should be enough to turn this into a pretty fun game, and we think the Mexicans will benefit from their ‘home’ advantage, so to speak. We’re predicting a 2-0 win for them, although we do expect Iceland to still be pretty competitive.

Prediction: Mexico win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: 888sport