Mexico vs Poland Predictions

• Poland have just one clean sheet in their last six games.
• Mexico have scored in five of their last six games but have struggled at the back against better-quality opposition.
• Robert Lewandowski has scored 13 goals for Poland since the start of 2021.

Ageing Mexico look to draw on previous success

Mexico have made it out of the Group Stage in each of their last eight World Cup appearances but they could get off to a bad start when they face Poland in their opener.

There is no shortage of experience in the Mexico squad, with Guillermo Ochoa, Hector Moreno, Andres Guardado and Hector Herrera having well over 500 caps between them, but there is no denying the bulk of their established starters are in the twilight of their careers and that could prove costly this winter.

Their form heading into the tournament is mixed, with victories over Iraq, Peru and Suriname sugar coating some poor performances. Indeed, any time they have faced more stern opposition they have faltered, with defeats to Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay coming over the last six months.

Lewandowski key to Poland chances

Poland’s form is hardly making any headlines, but they did take a victory in their last competitive outing against Wales and their opposition has generally been of a much higher quality than Mexico.

Not only that, but they have a certain Robert Lewandowski to call upon in attack. The Poland captain has had a bit of extra rest ahead of the tournament after being sent off for Barcelona and has netted 76 times in 134 appearances for his national team, 13 of which have come since the start of 2021. The 34-year-old has been in stellar form this season and backing him to fire Poland to a win looks solid value for money.

Back goals at both ends in Doha

I don’t think Poland will have it easy, though. They have only kept one clean sheet in their last five games and shipped six at Belgium earlier this year. Mexico have scored in five of their last six outings and, while they do have a few clean sheets to their name, they have struggled at the back when against better-quality teams.

I’m backing both teams to score here, and a 2-1 win for the Lewandowski-led Poland appeals, too.

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