Verdict: Under 2,5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: 888sport
Mexico have been one of the most pleasant surprises in the 2018 FIFA World Cup so far, registering two wins in equal number of matches and looking quite impressive. El Tri are just one point away from clinching a spot in the Round of 16, but they won’t have an easy challenge ahead of them when taking on Sweden, a tough side that already presented more than one problem against Germany the last time out. The match will be played this Wednesday at Ekaterinburg Arena.
Mexico
As stated above, Mexico have been one of the best teams in the competition with two wins in their first two games. After a dominant win over Germany in the tournament thanks to a goal from Hirving Lozano, El Tri also defeated South Korea thanks to strikes from Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez. There is a small chance that Mexico can still get eliminated if they get thumped by Sweden, but that seems quite unlikely to say the least. If they can repeat what they have done thus far, they should be fine. And quite honestly, there is no reason to think they won’t play on the same level they have done so far. Juan Carlos Osorio has done a great job with this team, and has assembled a competitive squad with grit on defence and flair upfront. Usually that combination leads to great results, and that is what has happened thus far. Will they complete the final step against Sweden in order to punch their ticket into the knockout stages?
Team News
Mexico are expected to field a strong side ahead of this game since they don’t have any injury concerns.
However, manager Osorio could rotate the side. The Colombian tactician is known for making changes from game to game on a regular basis. One name we can expect to start is former Manchester United striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, who already has one goal in two matches thus far.
Sweden
Sweden need to shake off what happened in the game against Germany the last time – and they need to do it quickly, because they sit in a complicated spot if they want to reach the Round of 16. They defeated South Korea in the opener thanks to a penalty from Andreas Granqvist and jumped ahead against Germany thanks to a goal from Ola Toivonen. However, second-half goals from Marco Reus and Toni Kroos (on stoppage time) lifted Die Mannschaft to a narrow win. With that scenario, Sweden have three points and must win against Mexico to have a realistic chance to advance into the knockout stages. If Janne Andersson’s men played like they did against Germany in the first half, then they could complicate Mexico. But if they do what they did in the second half, their chances of pushing through the knockout stages will reduce considerably. It will all rely on how they will approach this pivotal game considering they have their backs against the wall.
Team News
Sweden will have a full-strength squad ahead of this game.
Unlike Osorio, Andersson probably won’t make too many changes to the side. In fact, Sweden will probably field the same starting XI that featured against Germany the last time out. This means that Manchester United centre-back Victor Lindelof will start once against at the back alongside Andreas Granqvist.
Key Factors to Consider
- Sweden have kept three clean sheets in their last five matches, and six in their last ten (all competitions).
- Mexico have only lost two of their last ten matches in all competitions (W6, D2, L2).
- On the other hand, Sweden have a W3, D4, L3 mark in their past 10 matches. Nothing too special, really.
- Both sides have seen only one of their last five matches finish with both teams scoring.
- Sweden are undefeated in three prior matches against Mexico (W2, D1).
Conclusion
This is going to be a very open game. Both sides will play out to get a win and the top spot in Group F.
However, both sides have looked rather solid defensively. Despite the fact the game will be open, I reckon there will be under 2,5 goals scored.
Verdict: Under 2,5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: 888sport
Mexico isn’t guaranteed a spot in the knockout rounds. Might want to get your facts right. They can still be eliminated.