Australia head coach Tony Popovic will get a final chance to look at his players before naming his World Cup squad when the Socceroos take on Mexico at Los Angeles' Rose Bowl.
Popovic is still weighing up his options, especially now that key midfielder Riley McGree of Middlesbrough has been ruled out of the tournament by a hamstring injury.
Hayden Matthews, Nick D'Agostino and Patrick Yazbek have also missed out due to injuries, while Popovic has cut Mitch Duke, Daniel Bennie, Raphael Borges Rodrigues, Anthony Caceres, Dylan Leonard, Alex Robertson, Gianni Stensness and Ante Suto from his tournament plans.
Incoming options include Livingston forward Tete Yengi and Sassuolo's attacking midfielder Cristian Volpato, who has switched allegiance from Italy to link up with the Aussies ahead of the World Cup.
Mexico v Australia Tips Summary
Best Bet - Mexico to win and both teams to score - No @ 2.62
Alternative Bet - Half Time/Full Time - Mexico/Mexico @ 4.50
Bet Builder - German Berterame to score anytime, Goals range 2-4 & Mathew Ryan 3+ saves @ 6.00
Mexico v Australia Prediction
Best Bet: Mexico to win and both teams to score - No @ 2.62
The Socceroos may have only lost one of their previous five meetings with Mexico, but they take on an El Tricolor side who are unbeaten in their last six and who have only conceded one goal during that run.
A recent 2-0 win against Ghana was impressive enough, but a 1-1 draw with Belgium and a goalless encounter against Portugal prior to that showcase the level that Javier Aguirre's side can reach.
Their defensive solidity is sure to be a problem for the Aussies, even though they put five past Curacao on their last outing, so back Mexico to get the job done at the Rose Bowl and keep a clean sheet in the process.
Alternative Bet: Half Time/Full Time - Mexico/Mexico @ 4.50
Mexico's six-game unbeaten run started with 1-0 wins over Panama and Bolivia, both of which were secured by goals scored after the halftime interval.
However, in their four outings since then they have led at the break on three occasions, with the only exception obviously being their goalless draw with Portugal.
With those facts in mind, you can have some confidence that El Tri will not only be the winners at fulltime, but also be ahead on the scoreboard after the opening 45 minutes.
Mexico v Australia Bet Builder Tip
German Berterame to score anytime
Goals range 2-4
Mathew Ryan 3+ saves
Pays 6.00
Raul Jimenez is the third highest all-time goalscorer for Mexico, but you can start this Bet Builder by siding with his teammate German Berterame to get on the scoresheet in LA.
Berterame joined MLS outfit Inter Miami this season and has clearly enjoyed playing alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, having scored seven goals in his last nine appearances.
While Mexico are expected to have the firepower to take the win, the lack of a Socceroos goal threat should contribute to keeping the match goal tally down and a range of 2-4 fells about right - it has landed in three of El Tri's last four matches.
Finally, with the Socceroos expected to be under pressure, add in veteran keeper Mat Ryan to have to make 3+ saves, which adds in value as it's not certain how long he will be on the field as Popovic shuffles his pack.
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
Australia have lost just one of five previous meetings with Mexico
Most recent meeting was a 2-2 friendly draw in Texas in September 2023
Socceroos have won their last two matches, Mexico are unbeaten in six
Australia drawn in World Cup D with United States, Turkey and Paraguay
Socceroos have lost midfielder Riley McGree to injury, with Cristian Volpato introduced in his place
Mexico are World Cup co-hosts and are in Group A along with Czechia, South Korea and South Africa
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
