Panama vs. Mexico: Preview and betting tips

The two best Central American teams in the last round of World Cup qualifying so far will battle it out for important points in the table. Panama will welcome the favoured Mexico at home, how will they fare?

Panama is happy with the last round of qualifying so far. After a draw with Costa Rica, it managed to beat a strengthened Jamaica and is now second with four points, just behind the sovereign Mexico.

Mexico were facing the same opponents at the start, a 2-1 win against Jamaica was secured by an 89th minute goal, while the 1-0 win against Costa Rica was decided by a penalty kick from the first half.

Mexico must be careful with Roland Blackburn, the skilful striker with experience from the Slovak Fortuna Liga scored in the last game against Jamaica. Adalberto Carrasquilla is also in good form.

In the away team, it is worth mentioning the Porto winger Jesus Corona, the experienced midfielder Andrés Guardado, but also Guillermo Ochoa, who shone with excellent performances at the 2014 World Cup.

Panama boasts a well-functioning defence, keeping a clean sheet in two of the last three matches, with Grenada scoring the only goal.

Mexico, on the other hand, relies on a goal-scoring attack, having scored more than one goal in three of their last five matches.

Considering the quality of the away team, I recommend a bet on them to win.