class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With El Tri in watertight form at the back, Al Hain-Cole expects a low-scoring Gold Cup semi-final when they take on Herdman’s team in Texas
Canada will be aiming to reach their first Gold Cup final in 21 years when they take on Mexico in Thursday’s semi-final at the NRG Stadium in Houston.
The Canucks have only ever made it all the way to the final once in its current format, lifting the trophy by beating Colombia 2-0 back in 2000.
Mexico vs Canada latest odds
Having won nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions, Canada are available at 11/2 (6.50) with bet365 to end their long wait by pulling off a shock win over the current holders.
Gerardo Martino’s Mexico have won 13 and lost none of their last 16 meetings between the sides and are 11/20 (1.55) favourites to keep the defence of their title alive by coming out on top once again in Texas.
Just one of the last six encounters between this duo has resulted in a draw, but you can get odds of 11/4 (3.75) on them taking this one into extra-time after a stalemate here.
Mexico vs Canada team news
Jonathan Dos Santos will be hoping to keep his place ahead of Erick Gutierrez in midfield, having found the net after being offered his first start of the tournament in the 3-0 quarter-final win over Honduras.
Cyle Larin and Stephen Eustaquio are the men to watch for John Herdman’s team, having scored three goals apiece in the competition so far.
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Mexico vs Canada preview
While they have been in excellent form so far, Larin and Eustaquio will be in for a stern test against El Tri, who are yet to concede a single goal in this competition.
Indeed, the 11-times champions have now kept seven consecutive clean sheets in all competitions, although are the lowest-scoring of the semi-finalists with just seven goals to their name in four matches.
Having seen Canada struggle to break down USA in their 1-0 defeat in the final group game, the Mexicans are likely to set up conservatively and look to shut out their opponents by dominating possession.
Mexico vs Canada tips & predictions
With this in mind, odds of 7/10 (1.70) look like strong value on under 2.5 goals being scored in a tight semi-final in Texas.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.