In what is arguably the most fascinating matchup in the Oct. 7 slate of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, regional powers Mexico will host upstarts Canada at the Estadio Azteca. In past years, there would be little doubt that El Tri would win. Thats not the case this time.
Throughout 2021, Canada has shown Doug Kotar Jersey that it has been transformed under manager John Herdmanwho has infused it with belief that advancing to its first World Cup since 1986 is a real po sibility. It helps to have a generation of players that are starring in Europe, beginning with Bayern Munichs Alphonso Davies and LOSC Lilles Jonathan David. Canada and Mexico enter the match as No. 1 (Mexico) and No. 2 (Canada) in the World Cup qualifying standings. The top three teams earn direct berths to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Unfortunately for Canada, its getting a Mexico team that is buoyed by the return of some of its most important personalities. Raul Jimenez is back in the fold after nearly a year out with a skull fracture and hes reportedly looking good in training. Chucky Lozano also returns after a lengthy spell on the sidelines following an Will Hernandez Jersey equally horrific injury suffered against Trinidad & Tobago in the Gold Cup. And then theres Mexico manager Gerardo "Tata"Martino whos back to work after mi sing Septembers matches with cornea surgery.
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Martino noted how hes been studying Canadas matches against the USA ( and a ) and against his own Mexican side in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semis. In that instance, El Tri needed a controversial goal in the ninth minute of stoppage time to get by a Canadian team that played with personality and gave it all it could handle.
We took a big me sage in the Gold Cup in Houston with 75,000 Mexicans cheering their team on, Herdman told media in his pregame pre s conference. When we play, it will be no backward step. We want to keep stepping forward. This group of men are ready and, I think, really excited just to expre s themselves in this coliseum Estadio Azteca .
"This means more to us. Everything we're playing for is our dreams & our country's hopes." - John HerdmanIt's a beautiful day to make history, boys. ALLEZ!!
Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN)
And thats ultimately what Canada is hoping to accomplish in this match: Three points would obviously be nice, but more importantly, they want another positive showing that proves to the rest of the teams in the region, including Mexico, that its a real contender for one of the World Cup berths and no longer the pushover it once Darius Slayton Jersey was. The Canadians already have Martino on alert: In his pregame pre serhe highlighted Canadas speed, and specifically Davies, stating how his abilities can appear in a game no matter how guarded you might be.
How to watch Mexico vs. Canada in USADate: Thursday, Oct. 7Time: 9:30 p.m. ETTV Channels: Univision, TUDNStreaming: , Paramount+
The match will be broadcast in the USA by Univision and TUDN in Spanish. Both channels are available to stream on with a available to new users. It will be available in English on CBS streaming platform Paramount+.
The Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will be at 75 percent capacity for the match, the highest cap permittedpost-pandemic.
Mexico vs. Canada lineups
Tata Martino has options, especially at the forward positions. Well see if he opts to field the attacking trident that has produced in the past now that Wolves forward Raul Jimenez is back healthy and scoring in the English Premier League.
Mexico projected starting lineup (4-3-3, left to right): Guillermo Memo Ochoa-GK Jesus Gallardo, Nestor Araujo, Cesar Montes, Jorge Sanchez Hector Herrera, Edson Alvarez, Luis Romo Jesus Tecatito Corona, Raul Jimenez, Hirving Chucky Lozano
Mexico projected subs: Rodolfo Cota-GK, Jonathan Orozco-GK, Alfredo Talavera-GK, Hector Moreno, Johan Vasquez, Julio Cesar Dominguez, Luis Chaka Rodriguez, Rhett Ellison Jersey Osvaldo Rodriguez, Sebastian Cordova, Andres Guardado, Carlos Charly Rodriguez, Jonathan Dos Santos, Orbelin Pineda, Alexis Vega, Uriel Antuna, Rogelio Funes Mori, Henry Martin
Herdman confirmed that Atiba Hutchinson, Cyle Larin and Lucas Cavallini have still not recovered from knocks and will mi s the trip to Mexico. While Herdman is still hopeful he could get the trio back at some point to play in this October window, Canada will definitely be without starting goalkeeper Milan Borjan, whos still recovering from COVID-19.
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Junior Hoilett and David Wotherspoon also did not travel with the Canadian team to Mexico due to strict UK quarantine requirements for travelers to Mexico City that would have kicked in upon their return to their Britain-based clubs. Scott Kennedy was not called up due to injury.
Canada projected starting lineup (3-5-2, left to right): Maxime Crepeau-GK Kamal Miller, Steven Vitoria, Alistair Johnston Samuel Adekugbe, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Stephen Eustaquio, Jonathan Osorio, Richie Laryea Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David
Canada projected subs: James Pantemis-GK, Dayne St. Clair-GK, Derek Cornelius, Doneil Henry, Zachary Brault-Guillard, Liam Fraser, Samuel Piette, Charles-Andreas Brym, Tajon Buchanan, Liam Millar, Jacob Shaffelburg
Mexico vs. Canada: Betting odds & prediction
Odds Phil Simms Jersey courtesy of DraftKings
Pick: Canada +1 Asian Handicap (-125)
This is a different Canada side, and as long as Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Stephen Eustaquio are out there, Les Rouges are capable of scoring Evan Engram Jersey and even winning despite what history says (three wins in 36 all-time meetings and never in Mexico).
For those feeling extra daring, there are plenty of bold wagering opportunities: Canada double chance (i.e. win or tie at +145) or the Canada double chance parlayed with the over 1.5 total goals (+245). But well play it safer with a recommendation of the Canada +1 Asian Handicap at -125 and shrinking by the hour: If Canada loses by a goal it qualifies as a push. A Canada draw or victory and youre a winner.
Prediction: Mexico 1, Canada 1
Moneyline: Mexico -190 / Draw +290 / Canada +500Spread: Mexico -0.5 (-190) / Canada +0.5 (+140)O/U 2.5 total goals: Over +110 / Under -140Both Teams To Score: Yes +115 / No -155