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Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Unibet
Looking to make an immediate return to winning ways this weekend, Wales will welcome Mexico to Cardiff for a friendly showdown on Saturday night.
Wales
Starting with the hosts, despite picking up what was a shock lead out in Belgium earlier in the week, The Dragons could not open their World Cup qualifying campaign with a stunning victory on foreign soil. Eventually overpowered by the European heavyweights and hit with a 3-1 defeat, caretaker manager Robert Page will be looking for his temporary squad to bounce immediately back this weekend. Still with their sights firmly set on reaching their first World Cup Finals since 1958, The Reds have gained plenty of plaudits for their improvements over the past two years. In fact, their defeat away at Belgium on Wednesday night was Wales’ first in a competitive match since June 2019, ending a national record of 11 games unbeaten. With a squad that includes the likes of Tottenham ace Gareth Bale, The Dragons should also be glad to make a return to home soil this weekend. Including an eye-catching 3-1 win against Finland last time out in Cardiff, Wales are unbeaten in each of their last 10 straight home fixtures across all formats.
Team News
After limping off in the early stages against Belgium in midweek, an injured Joe Allen will not feature for Wales on Saturday night.
The Dragons also look set to be once again without the trio of Aaron Ramsey, Tom Lockyer and Ben Davies this weekend.
Mexico
As for the visitors, while Mexico might be making their first appearance since the middle of November, Tricolor did shock many with a hugely impressive run of form last year. Ending 2020 with a string of friendly meetings across the world, Head Coach Gerardo Martino last saw his side put in an eye-catching display as they picked up a 2-0 win against Japan on foreign soil. Really finding their feet since the former Barcelona boss took charge back in 2019, Mexico are unbeaten in each of their last 10 matchups across all formats, winning nine of those contests. Along with managing to cruise their way to the knockout stage of last year’s Concacaf Nations League and with a showdown against Costa Rica on the cards for this summer, Saturday’s guests will be boosted by a stunning display in Europe five months ago. Making the trip to former European and world champions Holland back in October, Mexico picked up a shock 1-0 victory and they will be smelling a chance this weekend.
Team News
Mexico will make the trip to Cardiff this weekend with a squad of 26 players and are expected to make a string of changes.
However, still not recovered from that horrific injury, Wolves striker Raul Jimenez is not part of Mexico’s squad.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides last faced off in a friendly contest back in 2018, Wales and Mexico played out a 0-0 stalemate.
- Wales’ 3-1 defeat against Belgium in midweek was their first in a competitive match since June 2019, ending a national record of 11 games unbeaten.
- Likewise, The Dragon’s are unbeaten in each of their last 10 straight home fixtures across all formats.
- Mexico are also unbeaten in each of their last 10 contests across all formats, winning nine of those matchups.
- Saturday’s guests have also recorded a clean sheet in their last three contests on foreign soil, including wins against
- Holland and Japan.
Conclusion
Although Wales might be wanting to make an immediate return to winning ways after their defeat against Belgium in midweek, The Dragons face a stern test in Cardiff. Glad to make a return to home soil given their continued success in South Wales, Saturday’s hosts are unbeaten in their last 11 straight meetings in the capital. However, while Wales might have gained plenty of plaudits, Mexico found themselves enjoying their own purple patch last year. Going on a real romp that saw them pick up victories away at the likes of Holland and Japan, some have even tipped them as a dark horse on the world stage. With the two sides playing out a 0-0 stalemate when they last met back in 2018, we’re backing what could be another low-scoring affair in the capital. this weekend.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Unibet
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