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Kick-off: July 26 @ 7.30 pm EST
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Past meetings
Jamaica v Mexico 0-1 (2014 World Cup qualifier)
Mexico v Jamaica 0-0 (2014 World Cup qualifier)
Mexico v Jamaica 1-0 (2005 Gold Cup)
Mexico v Jamaica 5-0 (2003 Gold Cup)
Mexico v Jamaica 1-0 (1998 Gold Cup)
Jamaica
Last 5 matches:
Costa Rica v Jamaica 2-2 (2015 Gold Cup)
Jamaica v Canada 1-0 (2015 Gold Cup)
Jamaica v El Salvador 1-0 (2015 Gold Cup)
Haiti v Jamaica 0-1 (2015 Gold Cup)
USA v Jamaica 1-2 (2015 Gold Cup)
Team News:
Just as we suggested it might happen, Jamaica produced quite a shock by defeating co-hosts United States in the semi-final and they will now be deservedly vying for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup title with Mexico.
The return of Je-Vaughn Watson (47/1) and Darren Mattocks (28/9) from suspension proved key in the semis as both players performed admirably against USMNT, helping further improve the great atmosphere in the squad.
Coach Winfried Schafer has no fresh injury worries, but the likes of Demar Phillips (66/12), Jermaine Taylor (83/0) and Alvas Powell (19/0) are no longer with the squad, while Ryan Thompson (6/0) should continue in goal with Dwayne Miller (38/0) still struggling through injury.
Players to watch: Jobi McAnuff, Garath McCleary, Giles Barnes.
Probable starting line-up (4-4-1-1): Thompson – Mariappa, Morgan, Hector, Lawrence – McCleary, Austin, Watson, McAnuff – Mattocks – Barnes.
Mexico
Last 5 matches:
Mexico v Cuba 6-0 (2015 Gold Cup)
Guatemala v Mexico 0-0 (2015 Gold Cup)
Mexico v Trinidad 4-4 (2015 Gold Cup)
Mexico v Costa Rica 1-0e (2015 Gold Cup)
Panama v Mexico 1-2e (2015 Gold Cup)
Team News:
Mexico had a big help from the referees in both knockout stage games as they were awarded no fewer than three questionable penalties, but it took a lot of courage and character from Andres Guardado to convert all of them and keep his team in the hunt for the tenth Gold Cup trophy.
The extra time win over Panama did come at a cost given that star forward Carlos Vela (44/13) picked up the second yellow card in a row, meaning he will miss the all-important game against Jamaica. The good news is that Giovani dos Santos (90/17) has finally recovered from a muscle problem and he is almost certain to deputize for the La Liga star.
Andres Gurdado (120/20), Francisco Rodriguez (108/1), Jonathan dos Santos (16/0) and Paul Aguilar (48/4) all felt some discomfort after the semi-final, but they should, nonetheless, be in contention to start. Javier Hernandez (74/40), Hector Moreno (59/1) and Yasser Corona (2/0) had earlier withdrawn from the squad through injury.
Players to watch: Giovani dos Santos, Andres Guardado, Oribe Peralta.
Probable starting line-up (5-3-2): Ochoa – Aguilar, Reyes, Rodriguez, Alanis, Layun – Herrera, J. dos Santos, Guardado – Peralta, G. dos Santos.
Jamaica v Mexico betting odds & tips
*Jamaica may have failed to score in last five matches against Mexico, but having been thoroughly impressive at the tournament finals, we believe there is value in backing them to win at +444 (US players welcome) or at 5.68 (for non-US players).
*With both sides possessing plenty of attacking potential, betting on over 2 goals at 2.13 (113/100) may prove a smart choice.
*Looking at what both teams have shown so far, we have no choice but to size with Jamaica, so bear in mind Reggae Boyz are 3.15 (43/20) to lift the first ever Gold Cup trophy.
