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Mexico vs Trinidad and Tobago Odds & Picks – CONCACAF Gold Cup Group Stage Matchday 1

Josh Ricker

by Josh Ricker in Soccer News

Updated Jul 10, 2021 · 6:23 AM PDT

Mexico players celebrate goal
Mexico players celebrate after forward Rogelio Funes Mori (11) scored a goal during the first half of an international friendly soccer match against Nigeria Saturday, July 3, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
  • Mexico plays Trinidad and Tobago to open 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup tournament on Saturday, July 10th at 10pm ET in Arlington, Texas
  • Mexico are the heavy favorites to win Group A as they look to bring home their 12th Gold Cup trophy
  • Get the odds, our analysis and betting prediction below

With the Euros and Copa America both coming to their close this weekend, it is time for another major international tournament to start up. The Gold Cup is a tournament hosted by the Concacaf federation in North and Central America.

The competition consists of four groups of four teams who all play each other once in the group stage, while the top two sides in each group advance to the knockout rounds. The most successful team ever in this tournament is Mexico, winning the tournament 11 times and placing second twice.

Furthermore, Mexico kick off their campaign for their 12th Gold Cup win against heavy underdogs Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday night.

Mexico vs Trinidad and Tobago Odds

Matchup Spread at DraftKings Moneyline Total
Mexico vs Trinidad and Tobago MEX -2.5 (-129) | TRI +2.5 (+104) MEX -1667 | TRI +3500 | DRAW +770 Ov 2.5 (-205) | Un 2.5 (+163)

Odds as of July 10 

The Path to Concacaf

While Mexico qualified through a nearly perfect Nations League stint, the path for Trinidad was much harder. The side, managed by Angus Eve, just qualified a month ago with a grueling victory against French Guiana. After a 1-1 draw, the sides battled through eight rounds of spot kicks before finally deciding a winner.

This match is unusual because rarely in soccer do we see this uneven of a matchup. However, in Concacaf we know that anything goes. In addition to the already staggering technical and talent difference, Mexico are also playing with a little bit of extra motivation. Last month they lost in shocking and dramatic fashion to the United States in the Nations League final.

Mexico has had a month to ponder the feelings and anger and now have another chance to beat their rivals for silverware. Expect them to kick this tournament off with a bang against Trinidad and Tobago for that exact reason.

Mexico Back on Good Form

Since their defeat to the United States, Mexico have looked to be on solid form in three games. After a tough 1-1 draw against Honduras, El Tri managed to beat Panama and Nigeria by a combined score of 7-0. Gerardo Martino will look for his side to carry this good form over on Saturday night in another relatively easy match.

While Mexico are still without the offensive services of Raul Jimenez, it is crystal clear that they have a wide array of attacking options to pick from.

Mexico vs Trinidad and Tobago Concacaf Nations League Statistics

Mexico
VS
Trinidad and Tobago
2.5 Goals per game 0.75
1 Goals conceded per game 2.25
17m Average time to score 1st goal 41m
2 Clean Sheets 0

For example, Rogelio Funes Mori looked bright in Mexico’s 4-0 triumph over Nigeria in his first ever match for El Tri. Additionally, they still have the likes of Jesus Corona and Hirving Lozano up front to lead the attack. On their day, this pair can be hard for any side to stop.

Kevin Molino Key to Trinidad’s Success

One thing important to note is that Trinidad and Tobago are nowhere near the bottom of the barrel in terms of talent at this tournament. Their FIFA ranking is 103rd, and there are some sides much lower than that. The reason why they are so doubted is strictly because of their opponent Saturday night.

YouTube video

Regardless, for Trinidad to see any success in this game or tournament, they will have to rely heavily on the talents of Kevin Molino. The MLS player is their main source of goals and has the ability to work through a defense fairly quickly. With that being said, he still does need some support offensively, because scoring goals against Mexico is no easy task.

Best Bet

Overall, the best bet for this match is Trinidad to cover the 2.5-goal spread at +104 odds.

Historically, the last four times these sides have played Trinidad and Tobago have been able to keep it within two goals. Mexico looks to be back on track and I do think they will kick their Gold Cup tournament off with a win. However, to say they will beat Trinidad and Tobago by a few goals is a little unfair to the opposition.

Pick: Trinidad and Tobago +2.5 (+104)

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