class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>El Tri were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw in their Gold Cup opener, and Al Hain-Cole expects another tough game against Loredo's men
Mexico will be determined to get their Gold Cup campaign up and running when they take on Guatemala in Dallas on Wednesday.
El Tri got off to a frustrating start in their opening Group A tie, being held to a goalless draw by Trinidad and Tobago.
Guatemala vs Mexico latest odds
However, Mexico are huge 1/14 (1.07) favourites with bet365 to bounce back by coming out on top at the Cotton Bowl.
Rafael Loredo’s Guatemala were beaten 2-0 by El Salvador in their first game and are lengthy 14/1 (15.00) outsiders to pull off a shock win against the eight-times champions.
The last Gold Cup meeting between this duo resulted in a 0-0 draw back in 2015, and you can get odds of 8/1 (9.00) on them cancelling each other out once again in this one.
Guatemala vs Mexico team news
Jorge Aparicio and Alejandro Galindo are in the squad after being recalled following suspension for indiscipline, while Kevin Moscoso is available once again following Covid-19.
Hirving Lozano has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament after suffering a serious head injury in the draw with Trinidad and Tobago, with Efrain Alvarez likely to take his position on the left of the front three.
Guatemala vs Mexico preview
Losing the inspirational Lozano in just the 18th minute really set the tone for Gerardo Martino’s team in what became an extremely frustrating 90 minutes against a doggedly defensive opponent.
Unfortunately, they could be in for more of the same against Los Chapines, who are only taking part in this tournament after stepping in for Curacao following a Covid-19 outbreak on the eve of the first match.
Having failed to score in three of their last five matches, it is hard to see the underdogs posing much threat to a defence that has kept seven clean sheets in the last 10 matches.
However, Mexico have developed a habit of struggling to break down stubborn CONCACAF opposition recently, drawing blanks against Costa Rica, Honduras and Trinidad and Tobago within the last six fixtures.
Guatemala vs Mexico predictions
With Guatemala sure to sit deep, odds of 5/6 (1.83) look like solid value on under 3.5 goals being scored for the sixth successive meeting between this pair.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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