Prediction: Mexico vs New Zealand

Verdict: HT/FT Mexico

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Bet365

Quality superior Mexico cannot afford another slip-up in the Confederations Cup and will be looking for a reaction against the minnows New Zaeland in order to keep their hopes of progressing through group stage alive.

Mexico

Complacency will not be allowed when Mexico run out on to the Olimpiyskiy Stadion Fisht in Socchi on Wednesday. Having been forced to chase the result in the opening 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup match to claw back for a point in a 2-2 draw against European champions Portugal, Mexico need to step up their efforts and make a strong start to the game in order to get ahead early. Juan Carlos Osorio’s side boasts superior quality over the New Zealand squad, but they must prove their preeminence on the pitch. Mexico struggled to imprint their own attacking style against high-profile Portugal, but still showed more than glimpses of quality, determination and perseverance as they fought bravely and never lost their head in crucial moments. With former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Javier Hernandez in fine form, Mexico will have to be considered firm favoruites to triumph. Chicharito will be hoping to continue his excellent goal scoring run which saw him reach the 48-goal mark in 93 international games for his country.

Team News

Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez will continue up front for Mexico, although Oribe Peralta will be hoping for a place in the starting line-up.

Juan Carlos Osorio might choose to rest a couple of players though and we could see veteran Rafa Marquez play a part on Wednesday.

New Zealand

All Whites have not had the best of starts to their 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup campaign. Anthony Hudson’s men were dealt with a fairly comfortable defeat by Russia in the competition’s opening match. The hosts exposed New Zealand’s defensive weakness and the Kiwis must show significant improvement to set pieces and long balls if they are keen to try and avoid recording their fourth defeat in a row. the All Whites are leading their World Cup qualifying group in front of New Calcedonia and Fiji, but their weaknesses surfaced once the team locked horns with European sides which was the case ins New Zealand’s two international friendlies against Northern Ireland and Belarus, respectively. Man marking appears to be a burning issue for Hudson’s man and the Kiwis will need to be much sharper and more on alert if they want to keep Mexico’s formidable attack at bay.

Team News

Andrew Hudson could try to rebalance the team with Kostas Barbarouses and Marco Rojas likely to be sacrificed for more defence-oriented options in the team.

Smeltz and Tuiloma could therefore be in line for starting places as New Zealand want to close the gates to their goal.

Key Factors to Consider

• Mexico lost only one of their last 14 matches in all competitions
• El Tri managed to keep a clean sheet in only one of their last 5 games
• All Whites are coming off from a three-match losing run
• New Zealand failed to score in any of their last three matches
• Mexico are yet to lose a game against New Zealand

Conclusion

A strong reaction is expected from the Mexican side after the 2-2 draw against Portugal. El Tri are standing as clear-cut favourites to emerge victorious and we can’t look past them winning this game.

Verdict: HT/FT Mexico

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: Bet365