Panama vs. Jamaica: Preview and betting tips

In North and Central America, the battle to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar is at its peak. Panama will welcome Jamaica, with both teams aiming for the fourth barrier spot. What to expect from the match?

Panama lost to Costa Rica in the last round of qualifying and dropped to the fourth barrier spot. They are currently three points behind third-placed Mexico, with five rounds of qualifying left to play.

Jamaica has also started to lose ground, having failed to win three matches, which puts them in sixth place in the table. They are seven points behind the barrage and their chances of direct qualification are virtually nil, with Jamaica ten points behind.

Panama has made it to the World Cup in Russia, which has led to several players securing engagements in Europe. Michael Murillo is wearing the jersey of Anderlecht in Belgium, Andrés Andrade is with Bielefeld in the Bundesliga.

Mikhail Antonio is gaining his first national team experience, having obtained Jamaican citizenship. In defence, they host Ethan Pinnock, a regular in the Premier League for Brentford.

Panama relies on a well-functioning defensive unit, getting no more than one goal in nine of their last eleven games.

Moreover, Jamaica don’t appear to be a very dangerous team, scoring only three times in their last four games, while Antonio has yet to get a grip.

Despite the aforementioned stats, I think the name-laden Jamaica will pick themselves up and not lose.