Mexico vs Venezuela Predictions

Mexico are the favourites to lift the Gold Cup, but losing Hirving Lozano to injury before the tournament has even begun is a big blow and puts more pressure on Wolves striker Raul Jimenez to produce the goals. Venezuela are seventh favourites to win the Copa America and, while nobody is expecting too much, they do have a potent strike force in the form of Salomón Rondón and Josef Martínez.

Mexico went in at the break 3-0 up in their last friendly against Paraguay in California, thanks to goals from dos Santos, Hernández, and an own goal from Gómez. Paraguay made a game of it in the second half though, pulling two goals back through Perez and Gonzalez, but Montes netted in stoppage time to wrap up a 4-2 win for Mexico. A first half penalty from Rosales put Venezuela 1-0 up against Ecuador, when the pair met in Florida back in March, but a late strike from substitute Enner Valencia saw this friendly end 1-1.

The head to head record between these two countries and the form and performances of the pair heading into Thursday’s friendly, suggests that Mexico will win and that both teams will score in the process. Mexico are unbeaten against Venezuela in their last ten encounters, have won four of the last seven meetings, and both teams have scored in five of the last six matches between the pair. Mexico have won three of their last six internationals, while Venezuela have won two of their last six. Both teams have scored in three of Mexico’s last six matches and in each of Venezuela’s last five games, which is why we’re backing Mexico to win 2-1.

With twenty-five goals for his country, Mexico captain Andrés Guardado provides a goal threat from midfield, but Raul Jimenez is the most prominent striker in the side, despite not having the best strike rate at international level (17 goals, 70 caps). Josef Martínez had an outstanding season in the MLS last year and, along with Salomón Rondón, adds pace, power, and goals to the Venezuela front line. We’re confident that Mexico will win and both teams will score, and have predicted a final scoreline of 2-1. Mexico are the form favourites and have a fantastic head to head record against Venezuela, but we are expecting a very close and competitive match between the pair on Thursday.