Wales take a break from their World Cup Qualifying campaign as they host Mexico in an international friendly at the Cardiff City Stadium.
This international friendly is the first time that Mexico has visited Wales, with previous three previous friendly meetings held across Mexico and America.
Team News
Joe Allen is ruled out for Wales with a soft issue injury suffered in Wednesday’s defeat to Belgium.
James Lawrence meanwhile has withdrawn due to Coronavirus restrictions preventing him from returning with the team to Wales.
Uncapped defender, Brandon Cooper has therefore been called up from the U21s squad into the senior team as cover.
Mexico have no injury concerns to report after a week of training although Wolves’ Raul Jimenez won’t feature due to his head injury, despite linking up with the squad as part of preparation for cup competitions this summer.
Stat Attack
- Wales are winless in four previous meetings against Mexico in all competitions (D2, L2).
- Mexico are playing as the ‘away’ team and on Welsh soil for the first time ever in this fixture.
- Wales have kept just one clean sheet in four previous clashes against Mexico.
- Mexico have lost just one of their last eight international friendlies (W6, D1, L1).
- Wales have drawn one of their last five friendlies (W2, D1, L2).
Prediction
After delivering a strong performance despite their 3-1 loss to Belgium after taking an early lead, Wales can take heart from their stubborn defensive display although they need to be sharper on the attack because they wasted several shots through slow movement into space.
Mexico however will be tough opposition because the Mexicans have often been a robust team to beat under a 4-3-3 formation, with just one defeat in the last two years as a result of their set defence pressing style which has troubled several teams.
I therefore expect a tough contest here but if Wales can just find more speed when on the attack whilst continuing to suck up pressure, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a draw but Mexico look in fierce form.
Prediction: Wales 1-2 Mexico
Result: Wales 1-0 Mexico