The two sides are close in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Cup 2022 qualifiers, so Wednesday’s match between Mexico and Panama is important, with kickoff at 6 am.
Following their latest results, El Tri occupies the third and final automatic qualification spot while the visitors are just a point behind in the only playoff place.
After beating Jamaica 2-1 on Friday, Mexico could avenge their Copa America Centenario defeat when they hosted Costa Rica on Sunday. Unfortunately for El Tri, they could not break through the resilient Costa Rica defence, forcing them to settle for a 0-0 draw.
Mexico, who had won just once in the previous four qualifiers, are now in a battle to qualify for their eighth consecutive World Cup.
Although they have struggled for victories, El Tri usually fares well on home turf, evidenced by the eight points that they have collected from their four home qualifiers.
After Panama lost 1-0 away to Costa Rica, the hosts returned home to encounter Jamaica. Panama started poorly, conceding from an early penalty and missing their own spot kick.
In the second half, Panama was equalized by a Javain Brown own goal. Eric Davis and Azmahar Ariano quickly added two more goals to their total for the game.
Mexico vs Panama Head to Head
Both sides have 18 games against each other, with hosts taking 11 wins while opponents with 2 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Mexico 0-0 Panama
- Jamaica 1-2 Mexico
- Mexico 2-2 Chile
- Canada 2-1 Mexico
- USA 2-0 Mexico
Away
- Panama 3-2 Jamaica
- Costa Rica 1-0 Panama
- Peru 1-1 Panama
- Panama 2-1 El Salvador
- Honduras 2-3 Panama
Mexico Team News
Mexico will be without the services of Luis Rodriguez and Hector Moreno for the upcoming match against Panama. With Julian Araujo and Nestor Araujo, both suspended with four yellow cards each, Diego Reyes and Francisco Meza could be in line to start in Mexico’s defense.
Panama Team News
Meanwhile, Panama may be forced to change central defense after Andres Andrade was withdrawn during the first half against Jamaica, with Ariano expected to be his replacement. Alberto Quintero and Cesar Yanis are set to keep their places in the squad after winning Jamaica.
Prediction and Odds
Mexico, which has won four of the previous five encounters with Panama, is expected to win this game, but we’ll stick with Panama to claim a vital victory.
- Mexico Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- Both Teams to Score
