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2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals: Mexico vs. Honduras Preview

Gold Cup Quarterfinals Mexico

Mexico look to make a strong statement against Honduras Thursday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Kick off is at 9:30 P.M. CST. After some questions marks have been placed over this “B” team, the question arises if they will make it in the knockout stages. Here are some players and points previewing Thursday’s Gold Cup match.

2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals: Mexico versus Honduras Preview

Three players who could impact the game for El Tri:

Elias Hernandez
In the group stage, Elias Hernandez has impressed down the wing. Whether Elias is running down the wing, cutting inside, or running through on goal, he is a major threat to the Honduran backline. The 29-year-old is full of speed and energy is will be a concern for Honduras to worry about down the wing.

Orbelin Pineda
At 21-years-old Pineda has been a big factor for Mexico in the attack. Though as the game progressed against Curacao, he seemed to fade away, not making much of a difference. Be looking out for Pineda to break through against Honduras.

Edson Alvarez
The young Edson Alvarez was very impressive through Gold Cup group play. After scoring his first international goal against Curacao, his confidence has gone up. Expect him to sit in a holding midfield role this game.

When Mexico has the ball, expect them to attack going down the wings. Especially with Elias Hernandez on the field they are going to want to feed him the ball as much as possible. Honduras will probably sit back and absorb some pressure before hitting Mexico with a quick counter attack. Alexander Lopez will pick out teammates with accurate passes.

When Honduras is in possession, they are going to want to dictate the tempo of the game. Though Honduras have yet to score a goal in this Gold Cup (the French Guiana game was 3-0 by forfeit), they will have plenty of opportunities in front of goal. Mexico have yet to really fix the issues in the backline. Honduras might get their first goal of this Gold Cup edition versus Mexico.

Predictions

I am going to go with a 3-1 victory for Mexico. Expect to see a similar line up like against El Salvador but maybe with just a change or two. We will probably see “Chuy” Corona in goal followed by Raul Lopez, Hugo Ayala, Hedgardo Marin, and Jesus Gallardo in the backline. Edson Alvarez is a no brainer starting in the midfield along side Jesus Duenas and Orbelin Pineda.

There are question marks still over the idea of who should be starting in the striker position since they lack that depth in the this squad. Elias Hernandez, Rodolfo Pizzaro, and Angel Sepulveda will start in the attack.

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