Jamaica vs Panama Odds & Prediction – CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying

• Jamaica and Panama meet in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying on September 5th 
• Panama saw off Curacao in the second round of qualification and drew with Costa Rica a few days ago
• Read below for the latest odds, betting preview and picks

Into the third round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying, Jamaica and Panama will each see this as a must-win match. Panama drew with Costa Rica in their first fixture, while the Jamaicans fell 2-1 to Mexico.

Both teams are aiming to qualify for their second World Cup. Jamaica hasn’t reached football’s biggest tournament since 1998, while Panama’s only entry was in the 2018 edition. Both will fancy their chances at a top three berth in the octagonal stage, but these are the sort of matches they need to win if they are to keep pace with the USA and Mexico.

Playing in Kingston, Jamaica are the -130 favorites on the moneyline for this matchup. They won 1-0 when the teams last met, a victory which brought an end to a six-match winless run against Panama. It’s only two wins in the last 16 meetings for the Jamaicans.

Jamaica vs Panama Odds

Odds as of Sep 5at FanDuel

Shaky Jamaican Form

It’s three losses on the bounce for the Jamaicans. In fairness, they were arguably the toughest tests in CONCACAF as they went on the road against Costa Rica, USA and Mexico. Still, it’s a sign that they aren’t carrying much confidence into this fixture.

If anything, Jamaica is under pressure ahead of this matchup with Panama. A late winner for the Mexicans meant it was a painful defeat in their qualification opener, but it was no more than Jamaica deserved. They could barely get hold of the ball, and registered a lone shot on target.

🇵🇦 Russia 2018 participants Panama and Costa Rica open their @Concacaf #WorldCup octagonal campaign with a scoreless stalemate 🇨🇷@fepafut | @fedefutbolcrc | #WCQ pic.twitter.com/YTCnmpMf92

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 3, 2021

The situation has changed significantly for this match, however. Theodore Whitmore was without a raft of key players against Panama due to travel restrictions. Michail Antonio, Leon Bailey and Liam Moore should come into the XI in Kingston, while Kemar Roofe, Ravel Morrison and Jamal Lowe are in contention.

The attack suddenly looks much more dangerous than the side that faced Mexico.

Panama’s Defensive Improvement

Panama’s defense is clearly in for a stern test. They were solid at the back in their draw with Costa Rica, a match they will feel they should have won. Prior that, though, they had conceded 10 goals in just four matches.

Big news – West Ham’s talisman Michail Antonio has been named in Jamaica’s FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers final squad to play Panama. pic.twitter.com/juejdFSSA5

— Anmar Goodridge-Boyce (@anmargboyce) August 31, 2021

Leaking goals to Qatar and Honduras in the Gold Cup led to a group stage exit. They outplayed Costa Rica at Estadio Rommel Fernández, but Jamaica’s array of attacking talent could cause them problems. Antonio, in particular, carries great form into this fixture after scoring four goals in the first three matches of the Premier League season.

The defense hasn’t been perfect of late, and the attack has questions to answer of its own. They got just two of their 18 shots on target against Costa Rica.

Jamaica vs Panama Statistics

Reggae Boyz Have Enough

Jamaica haven’t lost in their last eight matches on home soil. The recent defeats will make bettors wary of backing them to beat Panama, but the strength of opponent must be taken into account. The Reggae Boyz have a much stronger XI than they fielded against Mexico, and Panama will struggle to contain their attack.

🦁🇯🇲
.#ReggaeBoyz #WorldCupQualifier #MEXvJAM #QatarMotivated #JourneyToQatar #RoadToQatar #JFF_Football pic.twitter.com/9Snc3iZMEv

— Official J.F.F (@jff_football) September 5, 2021

The visitors continue to punch above their weight. It took a spectacular effort to qualify for the last World Cup, and their performance against Costa Rica will give hope they can replicate that. The sloppy defensive performances of June and July are a factor which cannot be ignored ahead of this match, however.

There’s value on both teams to score, but Jamaica to score two or more is the best bet on the board. The hosts should get plenty of joy against this Panama back line.

Pick: Jamaica over 1.5 goals (+118)