CONCACAF Nations League: USA vs. Mexico Preview, Picks, Betting Tips, Predictions

The CONCACAF Nations League nears its end, and the semifinal draw has put together the United States of America and Mexico. The USA won this tournament last year, and they have been more than keen on defending it, especially after their solid episode at the World Cup in Qatar. Meanwhile, Mexico reached the Qatar tournament, but they haven’t been able to do anything noticeable there. The Sombreros made certain changes to the roster, giving a chance to domestic players more than their top stars who play overseas.

Preview

USA (+135) comes to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as a slight favorite, precisely due to the home-field edge. Though, we are, on the other hand, sure that the Mexicans will have their support as well. After all, it’s always like that when the USA plays against this rival.

Since the start of the calendar year, this team has played five games, friendly and in the Nations League. Their only defeat was against Serbia, 1-2, and in the next four, the USA didn’t lose.

At first, they played without goals against Colombia, then beat Grenada, 1-7, and El Salvador, 1-0, before playing 1-1 against Mexico. This team plays tough football, with an aggressive approach in the middle, which includes plenty of running. 

Mexico (+225) has six games without losing, including the win at the World Cup against Saudi Arabia. Afterward, the Sombreros beat Suriname, and had two ties in a row, against Jamaica and the USA, before beating Guatemala and playing without winners against Cameroon. 

This team won’t have several of its international superstars, who had tough seasons in their clubs, but it still possesses plenty of quality. The Mexican domestic championship is among the best in the Americas, and the players there have enough high-quality tests.

As you can see, in all but one of these last games, the Mexicans have scored at least twice. They tend to play open and fast football, which produces goals. 

Latest News

Stars and Stripes are going to have most of its starting lineup involved in this one.

On the other side, the Mexicans are playing with a more mixed roster. Guys like Jesus Corona, Hirving Lozano, Raul Jimenez, Hector Herrera, and Hector Moreno won’t be eligible. 

Head to Head

In April this year, the two sides met in a friendly international game, and the result was 1-1. Previously in the qualifiers for the World Cup, the Americans won 2-0 at home, and the rematch in Mexico City didn’t see any goals. 

Overall, Mexico has 36 wins, the American team 22 and 17 events saw no winners. 

Prediction

The US team has the edge, as stated, because they play at home and also due to their full roster. But even in this situation, we wouldn’t be bold enough to bet on their win. Simply, we can’t do this. Mexico will be a tough nut to crack, and their tactics will be more defensive-minded, and that’s why we believe that moderate efficiency, meaning 2 or 3 goals, should be applied here. The odds on that are +100.

Pick: 2 or 3 goals +100