Mexico will square up with the USA this Friday at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City for the 12th Round of their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Venue: Estadio Azteca (Mexico City)
Key Statistics
Mexico have won just one of their last four home games (D2, L1).
The hosts have lost their last three matches against the USA.
But they have never lost at to USA at Estadio Azteca (W7, D3).
USA have picked up just 24% of their points on their travels so far (W1, D2, L2).
Four of USA’s five WCQ away trips produced two or fewer goals.
The visitors have the second-best defence and attack in their group.
Head to head
This is the 74th meeting between these sides, but it is Mexico who lead the rivalry to date (W36, D15, L22) despite suffering three consecutive head-to-head losses.
Latest performances in all competitions
Mexico: W-D-W-D-L
USA: W-L-W-W-L
Mexico
Mexico will face their CONCACAF rivals and closest neighbours in the FIFA ratings this Friday, looking to get a win that will put them in a commanding position in their World Cup qualifiers group.
The hosts come into this tie sitting in third place, level on points with USA but with a five-point lead over Panama who are occupying the playoff spot.
With five games still to play, they could still finish outside of the top four if they don’t remain consistent.
But should they win this game and other results go their way, victory for them could secure their place in Qatar later this year.
El Tri are unbeaten in four games after losing each of their previous three. They are notably strong on familiar territory, having lost just once in their last 18 home matches and so will come into this game confident of getting a result.
But given that they are winless in their last three head-to-head meetings with USA, they will have to be in their best shape to get a positive result here.
Possible México starting line-up
Guillermo Ochoa; Julian Araujo, Nestor Araujo, Cesar Montes, Gerardo Arteaga; Jesus Gallardo, Jorge Sanchez, Hector Herrera; Raul Jimenez, Hirving Lozano, Alexis Vega.
Injured: Jonathan Orozco, Rodolfo Pizarro
Suspended: None
USA
USA will look to take one step closer to their goal of playing in the World Cup for the first time since Brazil 2014 when they travel to Mexico City on Friday.
The visitors are one team expected to qualify from their group and are on course for qualification after winning six of their opening eleven games (D3, L2).
Gregg Berhalter’s side are currently four points off Canada who are top of the group. And so, apart from fighting for a place in the Qatar tournament, they are also fighting for a top of the table finish from their group.
The Stars and Stripes arrive off the back of three victories in four. They have suffered just three defeats from a possible 22 and will fancy their chances of getting a win in this game.
However, they must perform better than they have done away from home so far in this group, as the only side they have beaten away from home in this WCQ cycle is rock-bottom, winless Honduras.
Possible USA starting line-up
Zack Steffen; Reggie Cannon, Walker Zimmerman, Miles Robinson, Antonee Robinson; Kellyn Acosta, Tyler Adams, Giovanni Reyna; Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Ricardo Pepi.
Injured: Weston McKennie, Sergino Dest
Suspended: None
Prediction
Mexico 2-1 USA
