The reigning champions of CONCACAF Gold Cup, Mexico, did not start their campaign well. They are now sitting on the second in group A, right underneath El Salvador. Carlos Salcedo and Co might have no difficulty to advance to the next round as they only need one point. However, progressing as the group runner up certainly is quite below expectation for a team which names their A squad for the tournament. Thus, they would still aim for a maximum point here.
Both teams’ previous games
Gerrado Martino’s men secured their first win after smashing Guatemala 3-0. Rogulio Funes Mori bagged a brace and Orbelin Pineda extended their lead. It was enough to keep their chance to go through alive.
El Salvador picked up another win against Trinidad and Tobago. They beat Socca Warriors 2-0 through Jairo Henriquez’s and Walmer Martinez’s goal. Their second win put them on the top of the group standings.
Possible tactic
The former Paraguay and Argentina boss Gerrardo Martino would still be deploying 4-3-3 formation. Since Hirving Lozano is sidelined due to his serious injury from the first match, Alan Pulido or Erick Guiterrez shall get the nod to accompany Funes Mori and Jesus Corona upfront.
Hugo Perez is likely to opt for 4-4-2 formation. Juan Carlos Portillo shall feature as the frontman alongside Joshua Perez. In the midfield, Narciso Orellana, Darwin Ceren, Alex Roldan and Amando Moreno will be occupying the second line to create balance on defence and offence.
Players to watch
The absence of Lozano could be a chance for FC Porto’s Jesus Corona to shine in this tournament. He has earned 50 caps but only managed to score nine goals so far. Some other key men to watch are Rogelio Funes Mori who netted a brace in the previous outing, Atletico Madrid man Hector Herrera, Carlos Salcido and Cruz Azul man Orbelin Pineda.
El Salvador’s key men in the squad are Darwin Ceren. The Houston Dynamo man has earned 62 caps and scored four goals, Ibiza forward Joshua Perez who has bagged three goals in only six appearances, Seattle Sounders’ Alex Roldan and defender Alexander Larin.
Mexico vs El Salvador Possible result
El Sombrero surely would not let themselves sit on the second by playing safe for one point here. Tata Martino’s side are expected to defeat El Salvador and take up the top of the table. Darwin Ceren and Co would not give it away since this could be their chance to go further in the tournament like in 1963 or 1981 edition when they could reach the final. Strengthening their defensive stance should be a suitable approach to hold Mexico in a draw just like Trinidad and Tobago did at their first match. However, El Sombrero’s experience and mentality shall lead them to come out as a winner in the end.
Mexico vs El Salvador’s Betting odds
Mexico is definitely the clear favourite here. Their win market is at 1.26, whereas El Salvador’s odds to win are at 11. The value for a draw result is at 5.65.
