Mexico welcome Switzerland to the Rice-Eccles Stadium in this weekend’s international friendly. With both teams showing attacking quality lately, an open encounter looks likely.
Mexico come into this game off the back of a 2-1 win over Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League final, winning the title for the first time. That result means El Tri have now won four of their last five matches in all competitions.
Their attacking play has been effective, with 10 goals scored in that run, showcasing depth and creativity in the final third. However, Javier Aguirre’s men have shown some defensive vulnerability, failing to keep a clean sheet in two of their last three matches.
Switzerland earned a 3-1 victory over Luxembourg, with Ruben Vargas and Breel Emboli among the goals. It was a solid return to winning ways after a poor UEFA Nations League campaign that saw Murat Yakin’s men get relegated from League A.
Even in the middle of their Nations League struggles, the goals continued to flow for Switzerland, who have scored in their last five matches. However, their defending could use some improvement having conceded in each of those five matches.
How the bookies view it: Nothing to separate rivals
The bookies appear to be split on this one with a Mexico win priced at 6/4 by BoyleSports, who are also offering odds of 8/5 for a Switzerland victory. A draw is set at odds of 11/5.
Head to head: Switzerland on top
Switzerland have won their two previous matches against Mexico, with the last clash a 5-1 friendly victory in 1994.
Players to watch: Lethal Jimenez
Raul Jimenez has netted 39 goals for Mexico, including five in his last three appearances for El Tri. The striker can be backed to find the net on Saturday (anytime goalscorer at 9/4 with BoyleSports).
Breel Embolo often turns up for Switzerland and was on target in the win over Luxembourg. The striker is priced at 5/2 by BoyleSports to find the net at anytime.
Probable lineups:
Mexico have the full complement of the 34 players invited for this fixture, with no injuries and suspensions. The likes of Raul Jimenez, Santiago Gimenez and Julian Araujo are all expected to start.
Switzerland have no fresh injury worries and are expected to put out a strong team on Saturday. Granit Xhaka should start in midfield while Breel Embolo, and Dan Ndoye are all in line to feature in attack.
Mexico: Ochoa, Gallardo, Montes, Vasquez, Sanchez, Alvarez, Pineda, Chavez, Huerta, Gimenez, Jimenez
Switzerland: Kobel, Rodriguez, Elvedi, Zesiger, Widmer, Xhaka, Zakaria, Freuler, Amdouni, Embolo, Ndoye
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams have scored in Switzerland’s last five matches and a repeat is likely at 8/11 with BoyleSports. Three of Mexico’s last five matches have produced goals in both halves, which is priced at 20/23.
Three of Switzerland's last five matches have produced over 2.5 goals and a similar outcome could be considered at 1/1. Mexico have scored in both halves in three of their last five matches – available at 3/1 with BoyleSports.
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