Mexico Doesn’t Want Any Surprises
Mexico hasn’t missed a World Cup since 1990. Everything indicates that El Tri will also be in Qatar, but they still need to ensure a direct ticket. Luckily for them, all they need is a draw against El Salvador, a team already eliminated.
Los Aztecas could secure a direct ticket even if they lose but then they would need some help from team USA. To avoid any surprises, it’s better if they just fulfill their role as soccer betting favorites. El Salvador won’t be easy prey, though. Los Cuscatlecos won four points in their last two road games.
Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier odds for Mexico vs El Salvador. We’ve plenty of predictions for you to consider.
Mexico Could do Better
Prior to the start of the World Cup Qualifiers, Mexico was the betting online favorite to finish atop the standings. That’s no longer a possibility thanks to the team’s goal differential. Despite having a very talented offensive unit, Mexico has only scored 15 goals. That’s 1.1 goals per game.
Canada and USA have scored more than 20. Even Panama, already eliminated, has scored more goals than El Tri. Yes, Mexico will be in Qatar, but head coach Gerardo Martino has a lot of work to do. That’s if he’s not fired at the end of the octagonal.
Last Sunday’s game is a very good example of what’s being said. Mexico suffered more than expected, again, to defeat Honduras 1-0. La H is the only team that hasn’t won a single game on the road to Qatar. Edson Alvarez saved the day with a fantastic header.
Even so, El Tri deserves to control the odds board for this Wednesday at -800. Mexico always fulfilled its role as the favorite when facing a team outside the top four at Estadio Azteca. Overall, they remain unbeaten at home, but couldn’t defeat any of the other top four teams. Most recently, they drew 0-0 to USA.
The players have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to silence the critics; this is it.
El Salvador Has Nothing to Lose
El Salvador will have to keep waiting to return to a World Cup. They’ve been doing it since 1982, so I guess four more years is nothing. Even so, this Wednesday they could rewrite history. El Salvador has never beaten Mexico on the road.
Despite being eliminated, Los Cuscatlecos made Costa Rica suffer last Sunday. Los Ticos ended up winning 2-1, but El Salvador won possession with 70 percent. Plus, goalkeeper Keylor Navas was named the Man of the Match.
Playing 4-5-1 allows El Salvador to be a very dangerous team on the counterattack. That formula allowed them to score in four of their previous six road games. Most recently, they won 2-0 in Tegucigalpa and drew 1-1 in Kingston.
Another advantage that El Salvador has is that most of its starting players play in the domestic league. The squad assembled to prepare for these last three games a week before everyone else.
The visitors are offering a +2000 price in the sportsbook to win straight up. I know that’s tempting, but not as much as the handicap (2) at +105. El Salvador has lost four games on the road, but three of those defeats were only by one goal.
Mexico vs El Salvador Head-to-Head
- Previous Matches: 36
- Mexico Victories: 31 (104 goals)
- El Salvador Victories: 4 (20 goals)
- Draws: 1
In October, Mexico went to San Salvador and won 2-0 with goals from Hector Moreno and Raul Jimenez. Both teams finished with 10 players after Mario Jacobo and Nestor Araujo got a red card during the second half.
Regarding the WCQ, El Salvador has visited Mexico five times, losing all five with a 17-2 aggregate. The total went over three goals in three of those matches.
Mexico vs El Salvador Game Information
- Date: Tuesday, March 29th
- Time: 9:05 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Mexico vs El Salvador Live Stream: fuboTV
Mexico vs El Salvador Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| Mexico | -2 -135 | -800 | 3 -110o | 2½ -110o
2½ -120u |
| El Salvador | +2 +105 | +2000 | 3 -120u | ½ +180o
½ -230u |
| Draw | +750 |
Mexico vs El Salvador Prediction
With Hirving Lozano, Raul Jimenez, and Jesus Corona leading the attack, Mexico shouldn’t suffer too much. The problem is that none of them has scored in the 359 minutes that they’ve played together – that’s about to change, but El Tri will still suffer.
Remember, all Mexico needs to secure a direct ticket is a draw. Even if they lose, Costa Rica defeating USA 4-0 is very unlikely. With that in mind, I think several players are thinking more about returning to their clubs safe and sound.
Include El Salvador in your soccer picks. No, Los Cuscatlecos won’t win, but they’ll cover.
Score Prediction: Mexico 2, El Salvador 1
