I TIPPED Peru -1 and to win to nil against Scotland on Wednesday – and it's more of the same in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Alex McLeish is on a hiding to nothing with a seriously weakened squad and it's even gloomier for the visit to Mexico.
I said on Saturday he was down to the bare bones and since then has lost Matt Ritchie (best man at a wedding) and Lewis Stevenson (family holiday) – although the manager knew that would be the case.
That leaves Scotland with 17 outfield players, many of them international rookies, against a side World Cup bound who want to give their fans a farewell party at altitude.
Good old Scotland allowed Peru to enjoy their send-off so the message to tournament-bound nations is invite us and not the likes of party-poopers Wales or Northern Ireland.
The Irish drew 0-0 in Panama while Wales held Mexico 0-0 at the weekend but we're unlikely to avoid defeat.
Mexico, despite ranked being ranked four places below Chile at 15th, are a much shorter price to win at a best 3-10 at Marathonbet.
That's possibly because the Scots had no shots on target against the Peruvians although they defended bravely with the goals coming as a result of two mistakes by Jordan Archer who is likely to be replaced between the sticks by Celtic No.2 Scott Bain.
Peru -1 was 11-10 but Mexico -1 is no bigger than 10-11 at betfair while Mexico to win to nil is 9-10 at McBookie.
Scotland were 12-1 to win in Lima and are also 12-1 with Betfred at the Azteca.
Mexico have an array of attacking talent and that doesn't bode well for an inexperienced defence and rookie keeper Bain.
The Wales game was played in front of 83,000 in Pasadena and coach Juan Carlos Osorio rested most of his European-based stars and started eight domestic players.
Back at home he's likely to go full strength and there could be games for the likes of Oribe Peralta and the dos Santos brothers, Jonathan and Giovani, who both play for LA Galaxy, as well as former Arsenal ace Carlos Vela.
Javier Hernandez started against the Welsh but didn't impress unlike skipper Hector Herrara. The Porto star was man of the match and will be one to watch if is included tonight.
Recommended Bets (1am, Sunday)
- Mexico to win to nil
- Mexico -1
- Vela to score
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
