Panama vs Mexico Odds & Prediction – CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying

• Mexico and Panama sit atop the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying table after two matchdays
• The teams meet in Panama City on Wednesday, September, 8th
• Read below for the latest odds, statistics and betting preview

The early pacesetters in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying, Panama and Mexico’s duel in Panama City on Wednesday should be fascinating. The books make Mexico comfortable favorites for the encounter, and with good reason. They are unbeaten in their last 10 against Panama, winning nine of those clashes.

Los Canaleros carry confidence into this fixture, however, having gotten the better of Jamaica last time out. Their World Cup Qualifying performances have been exceptional, taking four points from two outings. It’s been an impressive bounce back after a very disappointing Gold Cup campaign.

Mexico are expecting an easy qualification for the World Cup, and their two wins from two suggest it should be just that. Traveling to Panama is one of the trickier fixtures on their schedule – the hosts are unbeaten in five home matches in 2021.

Panama vs Mexico Odds

Odds as of Sept 8 at FanDuel

Panama Hit Form

Following a draw with Curacao and a chastening Gold Cup experience, Panama needed a strong start to World Cup Qualifying. Outplaying Costa Rica was a nice confidence boost, though a scoreless draw didn’t do much for their chances. Having created plenty of opportunities but not converted them, they headed to Kingston to face a strong Jamaica team.

It looked a daunting fixture on paper. La Marea Roja have made a habit of overcoming such circumstances. They did so once again, beating The Reggae Boyz comprehensively.

The upset is on in CONCACAF. 3-0 Panama at Jamaica. For all the talent I. The Jamaican side, they simply haven’t played together. And they’ve been exposed by a well organized Panama side. Big result on the second MatchDay.

— Gareth Wheeler (@GarethWheeler) September 5, 2021

Controlling the match throughout with 61% possession, they had a 2-0 lead before the 40-minute mark and Cecilio Waterman capped off the performance with a third with just eight minutes left on the clock.

After leaking goals in the Gold Cup, and conceding three to Mexico in a friendly, Thomas Christiansen will be delighted with the defensive performances against Costa Rica and Jamaica. Costa Rica didn’t manage a shot on target and Jamaica only got six shots off in total. Consecutive clean sheets is the perfect preparation for the visit of Mexico.

Mexico’s Strong Start

While only winning their first two qualifying matches by a single goal, Mexico’s performances have been just as impressive as expected. The strongest team in the group, Gerardo Martino’s side were comfortable in their wins over Costa Rica and Jamaica.

FT: Costa Rica 0-1 Mexico

That's two wins from Mexico's first two games in World Cup qualifying! A narrow result but the three points are deserved tonight for El Tri. Orbelin Pineda with the lone goal off a penalty in the 1st half. #ElTriEng

— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) September 6, 2021

The visitors are at pretty much full strength. They are far stronger than Panama on paper. This was evidenced in their 3-0 friendly win in June.

Past meetings between the teams have seen Panama sit deep and look to absorb Mexican pressure. If their last two outings are anything to go by, the hosts should be able to make it difficult for El Tri. Mexico have the personnel to break down a low block, but it will not be straightforward.

Panama vs Mexico Statistics

Back the Under

Goals have been plentiful in the last three matchups. Mexico have scored nine and Panama just one in that span. Panama have only scored three times in Mexico’s nine-match unbeaten run against them.

Los Canaleros’ attack might have found some form against Jamaica, but that’s not necessarily translatable when facing a team as well organized and talented as Mexico. Defense will be the priority for the hosts.

After two matches in The Octo, Canada sits third despite two 1-1 draw vs the USA and Honduras.

Only Mexico and Panama have won matches through two matchdays.

Third and final matchday of the first Octo window is this Wednesday when the #CanMNT hosts El Salvador at BMO Field. pic.twitter.com/Ip5N7eDjZD

— Ben Steiner (@BenSteiner00) September 6, 2021

Keeping this game tight and hoping to snatch a goal or two on the break is the Panamanians best chance of avoiding defeat. Recent fixtures might point bettors towards Over 2.5, but Panama’s defensive displays in this international break suggest otherwise.

Under 2.5 is a good wager for this one. There’s value in a scoreless first half too – it might take Mexico a long time to break down this Panama defense.

Pick: Under 2.5 (-150)