Best Odds: 4/7
Bookmaker:
Two nations who are still looking to pick up their first victory at this year s Gold Cup, defending champions Mexico and Guatemala will meet at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas this week.
Guatemala
Starting with Guatemala, while they might have managed to open this year s Gold Cup riding a real high, they failed to lay much of a glove on El Salvador. Hugely outplayed when they made the trip to the Toyota Stadium earlier in the week, interim boss Rafael Loredo saw his side get hit with a deserved 2-0 defeat in their Group A opener. Only managing to snatch a spot at this year s tournament as a late replacement and with no time to complete any real preparations, it is no surprise that Los Chapines are tipped as a landslide underdog to make any kind of impact. Thinking that they had missed out on a spot at the Gold Cup after their stunning penalties defeat against Guadeloupe earlier in the month, Guatemala know that they face another huge task on Thursday. Facing off against the defending champions and previously getting hit with a 3-0 drumming when they last met Mexico nine months ago, Loredo s side could be bracing themselves for a long trip to Dallas in midweek.
Team News
Veteran striker Jairo Arreola is once again expected to lead Guatemala s charge in the early hours of Thursday morning.
After starting with a back-three against El Salvador last time out, the trio of Moises Hernandez, Jose Pinto and Gerardo Gordillo are expected to once again get the nod.
Mexico
As for Mexico, while the defending Gold Cup champions might have put in a largely dominant display in their Group A opener last weekend, The Tricolor had to settle for what was a disappointing point. Facing off against Trinidad and Tobago at the AT T Stadium in Arlington, Gerardo Martino s men were held to a rugged 0-0 stalemate, despite doing everything but find the net. However, despite what might be tipped as a minor hiccup last time out, they have made their way to this year s tournament coming off the back of some eye-catching displays. Signing off their preparations with a thumping 4-0 win against Nigeria in a friendly showdown, the one-time Argentina boss has seen his side largely impress since he took charge back in 2019. Smelling a golden chance in midweek, it should also be noted that Mexico have now recorded four clean sheets on the spin and have not conceded a single shot on target in their last three games.
Team News
In a real blow for Mexico, attacking star Hirving Lozano will miss Thursday s matchup following a head injury last weekend.
Porto striker Jesus Corona should lead the line this week, despite failing to find the net in his last three matchups on the bounce.
Key Factors to Consider
