CONCACAF Nations League: Panama vs Mexico: Predicted line-up, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :March 19, 2024 at 2:10 PM

Modified at :March 19, 2024 at 2:10 PM

A spot in the final is up for grabs

Panama have been in scintillating form in the tournament, having been undefeated through the group stage, scoring 9 goals and conceding just 2 in their 4 matches. They then destroyed Costa Rica 6-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. Under head-coach Thomas Christiansen, the side have been promising, having reached the final of the Gold Cup last year.

Mexico meanwhile have had a rather mixed bag of results with respect to their standing and reputation in the game. Despite winning the 2023 Gold Cup, the team had to dig deep to beat Honduras on penalties over 2 legs in the quarter-finals of this tournament. Jamie Lozano’s side had also lost to Qatar in the group stages of the Gold Cup.

Kick-Off:

Friday; 22nd March 2024, 7:45 AM IST

Location: AT&T Stadium, Texas, USA

Form:

Panama (all-competitions and friendlies): W-W-W-W-D

Mexico (all-competitions and friendlies): W-L-W-W-W

Players to watch:

Adalberto Carrasquilla (Houston Dynamo)

Adalberto Carrasquilla has burst onto the scene in the MLS during the last 18 months, becoming the most valuable player in the Panama squad. The midfielder is known for his passing range and the ability to beat the opposition player. His vision would be integral for the Panamanians to hurt Mexico on the counter

Edson Alvarez (West Ham United)

With Panama expected to have a deeper line against a talented Mexican squad, Edson Alvarez’s passing will be required to unlock the opposition defence. While Mexico’s pacy frontline attack, Alvarez would be crucial in order to cut-off Panama’s counter attacks, with the opponents having been in great form themselves.

Match Facts:

Their last meeting was in the 2023 Gold Cup final, which was won 1-0 by the Mexicans.
This will be Mexico’s 13th appearance at the AT&T stadium since 2009.

Injury and team news:

The Mexican setup consists of the usual suspects, with players bearing years of experience. However, senior pro Raul Jimenez, who has over 100 caps for the nation, has been dropped owing to disappointing performances in the recent past. Pumas keeper Julio Gonzalez is the only player in the squad without any international experience.

Meanwhile, Panama have a full squad without any injury concerns, led by the likes of Carrasquilla, Cordoba and Andrade.

Predicted line-up:

Panama predicted line-up (3-4-3):

Mosquera (GK), Escobar, Cordoba, Andrade, Murillo, Martinez, Barcenas, Carrasquilla, Fajardo, Diaz, Rodriguez

Mexico predicted line-up (4-2-3-1):

Malagon (GK), Sanchez, Montes, Vazquez, Gallardo, Alvarez, Chavez, Romo, Sanchez, Lozano, Gimenez

Head-to-head:

Matches: 21

Panama: 2

Mexico: 15

Draws: 5

Match prediction Panama vs Mexico:

This match is expected to be very close, with Mexico clearly having a stronger squad, but Panama being in imperious form. However, Panama’s imperious defence would be very hard to break down.

Prediction: Panama 0-0 Mexico (Panama win on penalties)

Live telecast:

India: Fancode

USA: Fubo, Paramount+

UK: Viaplay, Prime Video

Nigeria: Not Broadcasted

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