Prediction: Poland vs Mexico

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Bet 365

Poland and Mexico meet in a friendly on Monday at Stadion Energa Gdansk as both teams warm up ahead of the World Cup in Russia next summer.

Poland

In securing their place at the 2018 World Cup, Poland managed to top Group E with eight victories and one draw in their 10 games, scoring an incredible 28 goals in the process. Adam Nawalka’s men will be looking to maintain momentum ahead of the clash against Mexico, which was halted slightly after their 0-0 draw against Uruguay on Friday night. The Eagles were without top-scorer Robert Lewandowski and it was evident they were missing the striker after their display in which they failed to score despite many opportunities created. Poland will be desperate to get a win under their belt and retain the consistency that has been so often associated with them in recent months. However, they will be missing Lewandowski yet again because of a niggling injury so Poland may struggle in terms of goals yet again as they do look a little lost without their target man. When you combine this with the fact that Nawalka’s team have only kept a clean sheet in three of their last 12 games, then you envisage they could be in for a tough night.

Team News

Striker Robert Lewandowski will miss the match again due to a muscle injury. Arkadiusz Milik and Lukasz Piszczek are also out.

Mexico

Like their opponents, Mexico also managed to impressively top their group to qualify for the World Cup next summer, losing once the whole campaign. Juan Carlos Osorio will be keen to maintain their form ahead of the tournament and they were helped on Friday night with a thrilling 3-3 draw away to a team hoping they can lift the famous trophy – Belgium. Much of the pre-match hype was whether Mexico’s defence would be able to contain the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku, however it was their young starlet Hirving Lozano – who plays for PSV – that was one of the best players on the pitch, having an involvement in all three goals. The performance would have done a lot for Mexico’s confidence and it was validation that they could be genuine contenders for the trophy next summer. However, if they are to beat Poland, then they may have to do it without striker Javier Hernandez who was worryingly taken off due to injury in the second half.

Team News

Javier Hernandez is set to miss out due to an injury picked up in the 3-3 draw to Belgium on Friday.

Hirving Lozano should keep his place in the team but rotation will be likely.

Key Factors to Consider

• Mexico have only lost one of their last 16 friendlies
• Poland haven’t won any of their last four non-competitive fixtures
• The home team have only kept three clean sheets in their last 12 games
• Both teams have scored in their three matches to date

Conclusion

This looks to be an interesting match with both teams in form and looking to maintain that ahead of the World Cup next summer. Poland will be hoping to improve on their inability to score last Friday while Mexico are very attack minded. Both teams should score here.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Bet 365