Both targeting CONCACAF Gold Cup glory, the USA and Mexico will battle it out for the trophy at NRG Stadium on Sunday night.
After failing to defend their title two years ago, the United States are now just one more win away from claiming what would be an eighth triumph in this competition.
Mauricio Pochettino's men won each of their three group stage games but then had to rely on a penalty shootout success to get past Costa Rica.
Things went a bit smoother for the Stars and Stripes at the semi-final stage, claiming a relatively comfortable 2-1 win over Guatemala.
As for Mexico, they moved another step closer to what would be a record-extending 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup triumph with a narrow 1-0 win over Honduras in midweek, much to the delight of our man Greg MacLean.
That means Javier Aguirre’s side have won four of their five matches en route to Sunday night’s final, impressively keeping a clean sheet in four of their five outings thus far.
How the bookies view it: More joy for Mexico
The bookmakers’ odds suggest that Mexico will successfully defend their title, with the reigning champions 7/5 favourites with Boylesports.
Despite having home advantage, the USA are 2/1 outsiders on Boylesports, while the draw in normal time is an unfancied 15/8 with the same firm.
Head to head: History favours the holders
Mexico have the upper hand in terms of the head-to-head record, claiming top honours from 39 of the overall 80 meetings, with the USA winning 25 times, while the other 16 encounters have ended all square.
However, it is worth noting the Stars and Stripes have avoided defeat in seven of the last eight meetings between the pair, winning two of the last three.
Players to watch: Adams and Alvarez in battle mode
Tyler Adams’ love of a strong tackle has often landed him in trouble with referees, as was the case on matchday three when he was shown a yellow card against Haiti. Given the magnitude of this match, the all-action Bournemouth midfielder stands out to commit two or more fouls at 6/5 on Bet 365.
Elsewhere in the midfield battleground, Mexico captain Edson Alvarez looks like a prime candidate to collect a card at 11/5 on William Hill. The West Ham man was booked nine times across his 31 domestic appearances last season.
Predicted line-ups
The USA Have a fully fit squad and have reported no fresh injury or suspension issues ahead of Sunday night’s showpiece.
Luis Chavez is Mexico’s only confirmed absentee after his participation in the competition was cut short due to an ACL injury that he suffered in training ahead of his country’s win over Saudi Arabia.
USA: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Arfsten; Adams, De la Torre; Berhalter, Tillman, Luna; Agyemang
Mexico: Malagon; Araujo, Montes, Vasquez, Gallardo; Rodriguez, Alvarez, Chavez; Alvarado, Jimenez, Vega
Anything else catch the eye?
With a cagey showdown expected, goals could be a premium in Texas on Sunday night,
With that in mind, I’ll dip into the Bet Builder and bundle up Under 2.5 Goals and Mexico Double Chance at even-money (1/1) on Bet 365.
This combination would have clicked in four of Mexico’s five outings at this year's CONCACAF Gold Cup, including each of their last four.
GambleAware