Mexico vs Guatemala Prediction & Betting Tips - International Friendlies

Prediction published on 05/06/2023, 17:00  by Sridhar | Modified on 06/06/2023 at 06:01 in Football Predictions

With an eye on the upcoming Gold Cup, Mexico will host Guatemala at the Estadio de Mazatlán on Wednesday. Mexico are paired with Haiti, Honduras and Qatar in Group B of that tournament, with their first match scheduled for 25th. The hosts are coming off a disastrous World Cup tournament, where they failed to qualify for the knockouts. It happened for the first time since 1978 and new head coach Diego Cocca will look to get back on track. Having led the side to the semis of the CONCACAF Nations League where they will play the United States, Mexico will use this friendly and the upcoming one against Cameroon for preparations. El Tri have traditionally dominated matches against Guatemala but would be careful not to take them lightly. Two of the last four matches between these sides ended in 0-0 draws, so they wouldn’t want a repeat.

Guatemala will set up to frustrate the hosts and their coach Luis Fernando Tena will have an extra advantage. He worked as Mexico’s assistant manager between 2010 and 2013, so Tena will fancy his chances of surprising his old employers. More than that, he will be looking at the upcoming Gold Cup as Guatemala get ready for Group D action alongside Canada, Cuba and another qualifier. They would look to edge out Cuba for the second spot in the group to progress to the knockouts. That could wait, as the focus now shifts to the string of friendlies lined up before the tournament starting with this one. While a run of three wins and a draw should give them confidence, Guatemala know well that even if they hold Mexico for a draw it would be a huge victory of sorts for them.