Prediction: Mexico vs Russia

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: William Hill

Mexico head into the final group game knowing that even a draw would see them qualify for the semi-finals, although a convincing win could prove enough for a first place in the standings. Hosts Russia, on the other hand, are aware they need to win this game if they want to avoid crashing out in the group stage and there are no doubts they will be under pressure on Saturday afternoon.

Mexico

One of CONCACAF’s leading sides have done fairly well at the biggest stage of late, reaching the World Cup Round of 16 on six successive occasions, but two quarter-finals appearances (1970, 1986) have yet to be surpassed. El Tri take part at both Copa America and Gold Cup tournaments, meaning they are used to playing at major competitions, and the team have had a decent start to the 2017 Confederations Cup. Mexico managed to twice come from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against Portugal in their opening fixture and they were then expected to ease off to a win over minnows New Zealand. However, El Tri needed quite some time to hit the ground running and they were in problems when Chris Wood opened the scoring just before the half-time break. Juan Carlos Osorio then rallied the troops at half-time, and his side eventually managed to overturn the deficit thanks to goals from Raul Jimenez and Oribe Peralta. As a result, Mexico are now in a good position to qualify for the semi-finals, but the game against hosts Russia will be anything but a walk in the park.

Team News

Head coach Juan Carlos Osorio is expected to continue his rotation policy in order to keep all key men fresh, with Hector Moreno, Hector Herrera, Jonathan dos Santos and Javier Hernandez to be recalled.

Russia

It is fair to say the appointment of Stanislav Cherchesov raised quite a few eyebrows in Russia, especially as the World Cup on home soil was on the horizon. However, even if Sbornaya komanda ultimately fail to challenge for the 2017 Confederations Cup trophy, it has to be noted that we could see some serious improvements from the national team. Even with quite a few star players missing through injury, Russia looked good first in friendlies against Hungary and Chile, and then in competitive fixtures vs New Zealand and Portugal. Stanislav Cherchesov’s men missed some good opportunities to score after Selecao had taken the lead through Cristiano Ronaldo, but they showed good character in not giving up and we expect them to approach the Mexico game in the same manner. Forwards Fedor Smolov and Dmitry Poloz were especially impressive in the final stages of the game and Cherchesov could finally decide to pair them up in attack. Russia have no choice but to attack their opponents from the off, which should result in a highly entertaining encounter.

Team News

Dmitry Poloz is pushing for a starting berth after a good cameo role against Portugal, with Dmitry Kombarov likely to make way.

Key Factors to Consider

• Mexico need one point to go through, only win will do for Russia
• El Tri are unbeaten in last ten competitive fixtures (W6 D4)
• Mexico won four points from losing positions at 2017 Confederations Cup
• Russia won both international friendlies vs Mexico
• This will be their first competitive meeting

Conclusion

Mexico haven’t quite managed to impress in their first two fixtures, although they did score two goals in each of those games. Russia, on the other hand, need to improve their finishing, but we expect the likes of Smolov and Poloz to cause El Tri defenders all sorts of problems.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: William Hill