The Mexican nationwide crew might not be enjoying its most scintillating model of soccer, however it’s getting the job completed in World Cup qualifying up to now. With two wins in its first two matches, El Tri is the one crew with an ideal file and 6 factors within the ultimate spherical of CONCACAF regional qualifying. It has by no means received three straight to begin qualifying within the present round-robin format.

Its third match comes on Wednesday evening in opposition to a Panama crew that surprisingly finds itself in second place behind Mexico on 4 factors (win and draw). The Canaleros went into Jamaica and got here away with a stunning 3-0 highway victory that has vaulted them into competition for one of many three automated berths to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The Panamanians will need to maintain the great run going at house and finish the three-game September slate on a constructive word in opposition to one of many favorites to qualify in Mexico.

Whereas Panama is on the ascendancy, Mexico is one way or the other dealing with criticism at house for securing outcomes with out convincing performances. Ahead Rogelio Funes Mori is below specific stress for failing to attain throughout the two video games, regardless of beginning each matches. The Argentina-born Funes Mori, who debuted for Mexico this summer time and has 4 objectives in 9 appearances, has not too long ago missed some good possibilities, whereas Alexis Vega, Henry Martin and Orbelin Pineda put away the objectives in 2-1 and 1-0 victories.

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Mexico’s head coach, Argentine Gerardo “Tata” Martino, didn’t journey with the crew to Panama as a consequence of eye surgical procedure. He additionally missed the journey to Costa Rica. It’s most likely finest he doesn’t get to see the situations of the Estadio Rommel Fernandez subject, which has already come below fireplace from Panama’s personal coach Thomas Christiansen for its poor state. Primarily based on the descriptions of the laborious floor and mud patches from the heavy rain in current days, it’s more likely to play an element within the recreation.

Tips on how to watch Mexico vs. Panama

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 8
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Spanish-language TV: Telemundo, Universo
• Stream: fuboTV, Paramount+

The match shall be broadcast on Telemundo and Universo and each of these channels will be streamed on fuboTV (free 7-day trial). Paramount+ and the Telemundo Deportes app may even carry the match.

The occasion shall be held on the Estadio Rommel Fernandez the place 14,000 absolutely vaccinated followers are anticipated.

Mexico vs. Panama: projected lineups

The Mexican nationwide crew won’t characteristic gifted winger Alexis Vega, who has rejoined Chivas Guadalajara for rehab on his injured ankle. Central midfielder Edson Alvarez has additionally gone again to his membership crew, Ajax Amsterdam after selecting up a suspension for yellow-card accumulation.

The beginning lineup might see the return of Jorge Sanchez at proper again and Luis Romo in central midfield. One in all Sebastian Cordova or Andres Guardado will seemingly be part of Romo and “Charly” Rodriguez in midfield for his or her ability on set-piece deliveries.

Mexico projected lineup (4-3-3): 13-Guillermo Ochoa-GK — 23-Jesus Gallardo, 2-Nestor Araujo, 3-Cesar Montes, 6-Jorge Sanchez — 8-Carlos Rodriguez, 5-Luis Romo, 14-Sebastian Cordova — 17-Jesus Corona, 11-Rogelio Funes Mori, 21-Uriel Antuna

Mexico projected subs (12): 1-Jonathan Orozco-GK, 12-Rodolfo Cota-GK, 24-Osvaldo Rodriguez, 19-Julio Cesar Dominguez, 22-Gilberto Sepulveda, 18-Andres Guardado, Jonathan Dos Santos, 10-Rodolfo Pizarro, 16-Jose David Ramirez, 7-Orbelin Pineda, Roberto Alvarado, 9-Henry Martin or Santiago Gimenez

In the meantime, Panama head coach Christiansen trotted out the identical lineup for each of his crew’s video games and it has labored to good impact with a 0-0 house draw to Costa Rica adopted by the massive 3-0 highway win in Jamaica. No cause to not count on him to do the identical, though three matches in seven days is a hefty load. Experiences in Panama say left again Eric Davis may very well be out with a knock from the Jamaica match (Azmahar Ariano would take his place) and Cesar Yanis might fill in for veteran Alberto Quintero.

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The Panamanians shall be lacking two of their bench gamers as a consequence of COVID-19 considerations. Heart again Jiovany Ramos examined constructive for COVID-19, and ahead Jose Fajardo can also be in isolation after presenting signs, although he hasn’t examined constructive.

Panama projected lineup (4-2-3-1): 1-Luis Mejia — 15-Eric Davis, 16-Andres Andrade, 4-Fidel Escobar, 23-Michael Murillo — 20-Anibal Godoy, 8-Adalberto Carrasquilla — 7-Jose Luis Rodriguez, 10-Edgar Barcenas, 19-Alberto Quintero — 14-Rolando Blackburn

Panama projected subs (11): 12-Jose Calderon-GK, 22-Orlando Mosquera-GK, 3-Azmahar Ariano, 6-Oscar Linton, 2-Cesar Blackman, 5-Abdiel Ayarza, 21-Cesar Yanis, 9-Alfredo Stephens, 11-Eduardo Guerrero, 18-Jair Catuy, Cecilio Waterman

Mexico vs. Panama: Odds & prediction

Panama performed effectively in its first two outings, however the opponents weren’t the hardest (Costa Rica and Jamaica), and the actual fact stays that it fell brief in opposition to the Ticos at house, the place Panama is thought to really feel the stress to carry out for the house crowd. The Canaleros ought to come again all the way down to earth in opposition to a crew with the standard of Mexico and the moneyline odds mirror it.

The poor subject situations ought to degree the enjoying subject considerably, which is why a draw will not be fully out of the query. Already with a most six factors in hand from its first two matches, Mexico wouldn’t be fully dissatisfied leaving Panama Metropolis with a degree.

MORE: Why the USMNT is off to a sluggish begin in World Cup qualifying

It ought to take a while for the groups to regulate to the enjoying situations, which is why the Mexico -0.25 first-half Asian Handicap (-115) presents compelling danger/reward. And betting on the second half because the highest-scoring half (+120) will not be unreasonable.

However probably the most attention-grabbing odds could also be discovered within the “each groups to attain” class (+135). The Panamanians don’t make use of intricate attacking buildups and actions: They feed on damaged performs and improvisation. They play easy and direct after they’re on the ball, firing pictures or crosses with out a lot hesitation. On an uneven subject in opposition to a crew like Mexico’s that’s susceptible on set items and permits the odd likelihood (see Jamaica match), the Panamanians needs to be good for a purpose.

Prediction: Panama 1, Mexico 2

Odds courtesy of DraftKings

• Panama to win: +450
• Draw: +265
• Mexico to win: -160
• Each groups to attain: +135
• Tie and over 1.5 complete objectives: +550
• Mexico win and over 1.5 complete objectives: +125
• Mexico no clear sheet: -110
• Mexico -0.75 Asian Handicap: -110
• Mexico -0.25 1st Half Asian Handicap: -115
• Highest scoring half – 2nd Half: +120