In the early hours of Thursday, Venezuela and Mexico go head-to-head in Group B of the Copa America in what could well be a crucial game in the fight for a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.
VenezuelaFernando Batista’s team recorded what could be a massive 2-1 win over Ecuador in their Group B opener. The victory was much needed, as they were winless in their previous five internationals.
The game against Ecuador was a relatively rare high-scoring encounter, as ten of their previous 13 games have produced under 2.5 goals.
Venezuela had failed to win in their previous five games at the Copa America before their victory in the group opener.
They have also struggled in front of goal in the competition, failing to score in four of their previous six international matches.
MexicoEl Tri kicked off their Copa America Group B campaign with a 1-0 win over Jamaica courtesy of a goal from Gerardo Arteaga. However, the Caribbean team had a goal from Michail Antonio disallowed.
The game was part of Mexico's highly inconsistent recent run. They have won three and lost three of their last six international outings.
Mexico has been difficult to beat in the Copa America lately, as they have lost just one of their last five games in the competition, having recorded three victories in the run.
Their recent games at the Copa have been relatively low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in three of their last four outings.
El Tri is unbeaten against Venezuela in 13 meetings in all competitions, including two wins in three Copa meetings. The two teams last met in the Copa America in 2016, when they played out a 1-1 draw.
What am I backing?This could be a close encounter, as both teams will be confident after wins in their opening games. Therefore, the bet I am backing is the draw.