Mexico vs Jamaica
CONCACAF World Cup 2022 qualifying continues this international break, with Mexico set to begin the third and final qualifying round against Jamaica at the Estadio Azteca.
El Tri are in action for the first time since their disappointing defeat to the United States in the Gold Cup final last August.
But the World Cup 2022 betting odds back them heavily to win at home against the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica, who will likely be without their large contingent of England-based stars.
Talking Points
Mexico missing Jimenez, Gold Cup stars
Mexico return to World Cup qualifying action after failing to defend their Gold Cup title this summer. El Tri lost 1-0 in extra-time to the USMNT, who were missing many of their Europe-based stars. It was Mexico’s second loss to their rivals in a final in the space of just a few months.
In between those defeats, Tata Martino’s men amassed an impressive record of six wins and two draws in eight matches, with just one goal conceded.
However, a number of players who were so key to that solid defence – defenders Hector Moreno and Carlos Salcedo as well as midfielder Hector Herrera – will not be part of these upcoming qualifiers.
The Mexicans are also expected to be without their top two forwards in Chucky Lozano, who was injured in the Gold Cup, and Raul Jimenez, whose return to international duty is likely to be delayed amid the Premier League’s reluctance to release players to red-listed countries.
With those two out, and the likes of Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez – the country’s all-time leading scorer with 52 goals – and Carlos Vela no longer in the national team setup, Jesus Corona and Rogelio Funes Mori will have to create the World Cup 2022 highlights for the Mexicans. The 30-year-old Funes Mori scored all four of his international goals back in July.
Reggae Boyz hit hard by loss of England-based stars
After three straight trips to the semi-finals or finals of the Gold Cup, Jamaica took a bit of a step back this year as they only reached the quarter-finals. The Reggae Boyz won two out of their three group games before losing 1-0 to the United States in the last eight.
The Jamaicans will now be significantly shorthanded for their final round opener against Mexico with 15 Britain-based players set to miss out amid reluctance to release players in red-listed countries for international duty.
That means in-form West Ham United striker Michail Antonio – the current Premier League top scorer with four goals – will have to wait to make his Jamaica debut after switching allegiances from England.
Winger Leon Bailey of Aston Villa, defender Ethan Pinnock of newly promoted Brentford, and forward Bobby Decordova-Reid of Fulham are also among the notable absentees.
With the likes of Bailey, Decordova-Reid, and Antonio unavailable, coach Theodore Whitmore will rely on Shamar Nicholson and Blair Turgott in attack. The 24-year-old Nicholson, who plays for Belgian side Charleroi, is the most prolific goalscorer in the squad with eight goals in 22 caps.
The absence of Jamaica’s talented attackers will also put pressure on their defence, which looked disjointed at times during the Gold Cup.
History
Mexico have unsurprisingly been on the winning side of most of their encounters with Jamaica. El Tri hold a 19-6 advantage in terms of wins, with just three draws.
However, the Reggae Boyz went undefeated in two Gold Cup meetings against Mexico in 2017. After drawing 0-0 in the group stage, Jamaica recorded a famous 1-0 win over El Tri in the semi-finals thanks to a late Kemar Lawrence goal.
Betting Tip
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Mexico vs Jamaica | Under 2.75 @ 1.80 |
| September 3, 10:00 (GMT+8) |
SBOTOP odds have Mexico as massive 1.17 favourites to beat Jamaica, who are priced at 8.25 in large part because of their many absentees. A draw is 7.00.
Despite missing Jimenez, Lozano, and some other key players, Mexico still clearly have the upper hand over the Reggae Boyz. With home advantage coupled with a more capable squad, Tata Martino’s side should find a way to grab all three points.
But with all the star power absent on both sides, particularly in attack, this will most likely be a low-scoring affair.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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