VENEZUELA battle Mexico in Group B of the Copa America with both teams looking to build on wins in their opening fixture. The Mexicans will be counting on their fine record in this fixture and should have the upper hand over the Venezuelans.
Venezuela were victorious in their opening fixture as they picked up a 2-1 win over Ecuador. They had to come from behind with Jhonder Cadiz and Eduard Bello getting the goals.
While it was a good way to start their Copa America campaign, the early red card may have tipped the balance in Venezuela’s favour. That was also the first win in six matches for Fernando Batista’s men, who have found things a bit difficult lately.
Mexico also began their campaign on a positive note as they picked up a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in their opening fixture. Gerardo Arteaga’s second half effort proved to be the difference as they held on for the three points.
It may not have been an emphatic win for Mexico but the performance will be pleasing to manager Jaime Lozano, who will be targeting a similar display on Thursday. They looked lively going forward and had plenty of opportunities to add to their tally.
How the bookies view it: Mexican triumph
Mexico have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 6/5 with Betfred. A victory for Venezuela is valued at 11/5 while Betfred is also offering odds of 2/1 for a draw.
Head to head: Smooth sailing for Mexico
Mexico have only lost once to Venezuela, claiming 12 wins and six draws from 19 previous matches. Both teams met in a friendly back in 2019 with the Mexicans claiming a 3-1 victory.
Players to watch: Gimenez to find his range
Santiago Gimenez failed to find the net in the opening fixture and will be keen to get things right. The striker remains the biggest attacking threat for Mexico and is priced at 21/10 by Betfred to find the net.
Jhonder Cadiz came off the bench to good effect last time out and could be worth keeping an eye on for Venezuela. The forward is priced at 3/1 by Betfred to get on the score sheet.
Probable line-ups
Santiago Gimenez should continue to lead the line for Mexico, with Orbelin Pineda likely to provide support. Edson Alvarez should also retain his place in midfield.
Jhonder Cadiz and Eduard Bello scored off the bench for Venezuela last time out and could be included in the starting line-up on Wednesday. Salomon Rondon is expected to lead the line once again.
Mexico: Gonzalez, Arteaga, Vazquez, Montes, Sanchez, Alvarez, Chavez, Antuna, Pineda, Quinones, Gimenez
Venezuela: Romo, Gonzalez, Ferraresi, Osorio, Navarro, Bello, Herrera, Martinez, Machis, Cadiz, Rondon
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams were on target in their opening fixtures and could be set for a repeat at 10/11 by Betfred. There were over 2.5 goals in Venezuela’s opening fixture and a similar outcome is priced at 5/4 with Betfred.
Mexico opened the scoring in the last meeting with Venezuela and could be set for a similar pattern at 5/6 by Betfred.
This Copa America match between Venezuela and Mexico will be played on Jun 27, 2024 and kick off at 02:00. Check below for our tipsters best Venezuela vs Mexico prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
