Mexico, who still sits at +132 in the game, could be missing captain Edson Álvarez for the team’s Copa America match against Venezuela (+260) at California’s SoFi Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The holding midfielder limped off the pitch after sustaining an injury in his left leg during El Tri’s 1-0 win against Jamaica on Matchday 1. Manager Jaime Lozano has not yet provided an update on the injury, but it looked serious, so Mexico may need to get by without its midfield lynchpin.
Both of these teams emerged victorious in their first Copa America games. Venezuela overcame a one-goal deficit to beat Ecuador 2-1, and Mexico then battled to a narrow victory over Jamaica.
They are now level on points at the top of Group C, and whoever wins this game will seize control of the group. In terms of Copa America betting, sportsbooks have Mexico as the favorite, but Venezuela will carry momentum into this game, so it could be an intriguing clash.
Venezuela vs. Mexico live odds
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Venezuela vs. Mexico player props
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Venezuela’s path to victory likely includes Salomón Rondon
Veteran striker Salomón Rondon made his 105th appearance for Venezuela in the team’s 2-1 win against Ecuador on Matchday 1. He is La Vinotinto’s record scorer, with 41 goals for his country since making his debut in 2008. His experience and goalscoring prowess could be crucial to Venezuela’s chances on Wednesday.
Rondon is unlikely to play the full 90 minutes, but he will provide his team with attacking thrust when he is on the pitch. Manager Fernando Batista can then bring on understudy Jhonder Cádiz in the second half, when Mexico’s defenders are tiring. That proved to be an effective strategy against Ecuador, as Cádiz came off the bench to score the winning goal.
Mexico Might Have To Overcome Álvarez’s Absence to Win
Álvarez will leave a gaping hole in Mexico’s midfield if he misses this game. He is the glue that holds the team together, as he can snuff out danger in midfield and protect the center-backs, but he is also neat and tidy in possession.
Luis Romo replaced Álvarez after he hobbled off the pitch in Mexico’s opener. The Monterrey midfielder is a decent replacement for Álvarez, but he does not offer the same leadership qualities in the middle of the park.
Venezuela expected starting 11
La Vinotinto are unbeaten in six competitive matches, so manager Batista is unlikely to tinker with his starting XI. Rafael Romo is the first-choice goalkeeper, and the back four consists of Miguel Navarro, Yordan Osorio, Nahuel Ferraresi, and Alexander González.
Tomás Rincón, the team’s 36-year-old captain, started on the bench against Ecuador, and he only made a brief cameo in the final few minutes. The manager is likely to stick with Yangel Herrera and José Martínez in midfield, as they are more energetic. Yeferson Soteldo, Cristian Cásseres, and Darwin Machís typically start behind Salomón Rondon in attack.
Mexico expected starting 11
Manager Jaime Lozano omitted Guillermo Ochoa from the squad for this tournament, and Luis Malagón is injured, so Julio González is El Tri’s starting goalkeeper. Gerardo Arteaga scored the winning goal against Jamaica, and he will keep his place at left-back. We could see Johan Vásquez and César Montes resume their defensive partnership, with Jorge Sánchez at right-back.
Luis Romo could replace Álvarez in the holding midfield role alongside Luis Chávez, but Erick Sánchez offers an alternate option. Orbelín Pineda appeared as a No. 10 against Jamaica, and he could reprise that role, with Julián Quiñones and Uriel Antuna on the wings and Santiago Giménez spearheading the attack.