The Mauricio Pochettino era began with a win for the visitors.
Mexico are set to lock horns with USA in a friendly match at Akron Stadium on Wednesday as they start their preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as co-hosts.
Mexico endured a difficult Copa America 2024 campaign as they failed to progress from the group stage. With their World Cup qualification already sealed for being one of the host nations, Javier Aguirre now has a brilliant chance to test their progress against fellow host USA. The team are heading in a good direction after pulling one win and two draws since their exit from the tournament. With veterans Guillermo Ochoa and Raul Jimenez back in the squad, Mexico have a brilliant chance to win this game.
Meanwhile, USA began the Mauricio Pochettino era with a win against Panama. This win will surely bring a sign of relief to the team as they successfully avenged their loss in the Copa America. Mauricio Pochettino surprised everyone with his team selection in the first game particularly the formation 3-4-3 which is not his favoured formation. It remains to be seen what changes he makes here or if will he stick to the same formation.
Kick-Off:
Wednesday, 16 October 2024 at 3:30 AM UK; 8:00 AM IST
Location: Akron Stadium, Mexico
Form:
Mexico (in all competitions): W-L-D-W-D
USA (in all competitions): L-L-L-D-W
Players to Watch
Raul Jimenez (Mexico)
Raul Jimenez is back in the team after missing out on the Copa America squad. He was a major miss for the team who lacked his goal-scoring prowess and clinical finishing in front of the goal. The veteran forward is one of the longest-serving players in the national team having made over 106 appearances for them scoring 34 goals in the process. Having started the new season in brilliant form for Fulham, Jimenez will be aiming to mark his return with a goal here.
Christian Pulisic (USA)
Christian Pulisic delivered another majestic performance to begin the Mauricio Pochettino era with a win against Panama. This performance highlighted the impact he has on this USA team after constantly dragging them to many victories over the years. He delivered a perfect ball for Yunus Musah to open the scoring. With Pochettino’s new system giving him the free role to express himself, his pace coupled with his effective dribbling skills can make him the ultimate difference maker in this game.
Match Facts
- Mexico played a goalless draw against Canada in the last outing
- United States thumped Panama by a 2-0 victory to begin the Mauricio Pochettino era with a win
- They are unbeaten in the last seven games against Mexico
Mexico vs USA: Betting tips and odds
- Tip 1: Christian Pulisic to score anytime
- Tip 2: USA to win this game – 21/10 with William HILL
- Tip 3: Mexico to score the first goal– 8/11 with bet365
Injury & Team News
Mexico have a fully fit squad to choose from. Javier Aguirre handed German Berterame and Obed Vargas their first-ever call-up to the national team. Also, Raul Jimenez and Guillermo Ochoa are back with the team after being left out of the Copa America squad.
Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino surprised everyone with his team selection in his first game deploying a 3-4-3 formation. It also saw Yunus Musah playing in a new position which he seemed to be enjoying after netting the opening goal. Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright delivered impressive cameos against Panama, it remains to be seen whether they start here.
Head to Head
Total Matches – 79
Mexico – 38
USA – 25
Draws – 16
Predicted Lineup
Mexico predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):
Ochoa(GK); Sanchez, Montes, Vasquez, Angulo; Alvarez, Chavez; Alvarado, Pineda, Huerta; Jimenez
USA predicted lineup (3-4-3):
Turner (GK); Scally, McKenzie, Ream; Musa, Morris, Busio, Robinson; Aaronson Sargent, Pulisic
Match Prediction for USA vs Panama
We have an exciting game of football coming up between two of the best teams who are aiming to return to brilliant best. We expect USA to win this thrilling encounter which is sure to mesmerize the fans with a flurry of goals, drama, and thrill.
Prediction: Mexico 2-3 USA
Telecast for Mexico vs USA
India – TBD
Mexico – TUDN, ViX
US – fuboTV, TNT USA
France – L’Equipe Live Foot
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