Mexico VS Croatia Match Prediction

Mexico and Croatia have met each other four times, most recently at the 2014 World Cup when Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado and Javier Hernandez fired Mexico to a 3-1 win. Their previous meeting before that saw Mexico win 1-0 at the 2002 World Cup, while Croatia won their only two other fixtures - both of which were friendlies.

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Mexico vs Croatia Prediction

While Mexico could also make plenty of changes for the trip to Los Angeles, Croatia's scratch side lacks experience and have failed to impress in fixtures such as the China Cup or against Estonia.

Correct Score Prediction: Mexico 3-1 Croatia

Mexico vs Croatia Betting Tips and Odds

Mexico are big favourites for Saturday's game, with Bet365 offering 1/4 on them to beat Croatia. The draw is 17/4, while Bet365 are also the best price for a Croatia win at a massive 12/1.

Both teams to score has been set at 2/1 for yes and 4/11 for no with Bet365.

Reason:

Even if they make changes, Mexico will have a vastly more experienced team than Croatia, more than capable of winning in Los Angeles.

Team News

Luis Montes is the only player not included from Mexico’s most recent squad. The 32-man squad selected by Juan Carlos Osorio is a blend of youth and experience, with all three goalscorers from Mexico's last win against Croatia, three years ago, selected - Rafael Marquez, Andres Guardado and Javier Hernanez. The friendly against Croatia could be a chance to take a closer look at the less experienced players in the squad, however, such as 21-year-old midfielder Erick Gutierrez and defenders Raul Lopez and Ricardo Reyes.

Key Man

Should he play, Javier Hernandez will be looking to take a step closer to 50 international goals - Chicharito has scored 46 in 90 caps so far.

Team Form

Mexico are unbeaten in their last nine games, beating Trinidad & Tobago 1-0 and Costa Rica 2-0 in March, the last time they met up for international duty. Their last friendly in the United States saw them beat Iceland 1-0 at Whitney’s Sam Boyd Stadium in February.

Expected Line-up: 4-3-3

Team News

Though all are in the squad to face Iceland in June, Croatia will be without several star players because of their club commitments for the trip to Mexico. As a result, the largely domestic-based squad is low on experience - with no more than 30 caps between them.

Key Man

Duje Cop is one of the few non-Croatian-based players in the 16-man squad, and the Cagliari striker - who played on loan at Sporting Gijon last year - will lead the line.

Team Form

Croatia paid the price for resting players when they travelled to Estonia for an international friendly in their last fixture - a weakened team losing 3-0 just four days after a crucial 1-0 win against Ukraine in their World Cup qualification group. Two draws at the China Cup preceded that, with again a much-changed team, but they had won four in a row without conceding prior to their Chinese trip.

Expected Line-up: 4-2-3-1

Mexico are in good form, but with a busy summer ahead - including World Cup qualifiers, the Confederations Cup and the Gold Cup - they could use their two upcoming friendlies to experiment while the pressure is off. If they do, Croatia could grab a victory, but with an inexperienced team themselves - missing all of their star players to club commitments - Mexico should grab a result.

Mexico are unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions, winning seven and drawing two since their heavy defeat to Chile at the Copa America Centenario.