Panama vs Suriname prediction: Los Canaleros to grind out a win

The Concacaf World Cup qualification process is reaching the business end, and a crucial tussle awaits for Panama and Suriname, as they are currently locked together on five points from three games in Group A. The winner of this contest will take a giant step towards winning the group. Panama are chasing their second World Cup qualification, while Suriname would be debutants should they appear at the mundial in North America next summer.

They face each other at the Rommel Fernandez Gutierrez Stadium in Panama City in the early hours of Wednesday morning (02:00 BST). Below you will find my Panama vs Suriname predictions, alongside the latest team news and match odds for the Concacaf World Cup qualifier.

Team News

Norwich City defender Jose Cordoba is a key doubt for Panama after being forced off very early in the win over El Salvador, with Puerto Cabello FC's Jiovany Ramos waiting to deputise.

World Cup Odds

Suriname boss Stanley Menzo has worries over Kilmarnock forward Djenairo Daniels, who had to be subbed off in the draw with Guatemala.

Virgil Misidjan came off the bench to provide a stoppage-time leveller in that game, and may hope for a starting spot now.

Panama vs Suriname Odds

Panama are hot favourites at 3/10 to get the victory that would allow them to take control of Group A. Surprise package Suriname are priced at 17/2 for the win, while the draw trades at 4/1.

Over 2.5 goals is priced at 4/6, while both teams to score comes in at 11/10.

Match Result & Both Teams to Score – Panama & No @ 21/20

There are more than 100 places separating these nations in the latest Fifa World Rankings, and Panama should take control of Group A by winning this crucial contest.

Thomas Christiansen's men picked up their first win in this group at the weekend, when they edged out El Salvador 1-0 in San Salvador.

This will be just the second-ever meeting, following last month's scoreless draw in Paramaribo.

The visiting side shaded that contest in terms of possession and chances, but couldn't find a way through.

Today's Football Fixtures

Buoyed by their weekend win, where veteran forward Jose Fajardo was the difference-maker as he made it 16 goals in 59 appearances, Panama can round off a good few days with another win.

They've only conceded one goal in three games in this qualifying group, and a clean sheet will be a major target now against a visiting side with only three goals scored in their last five games.

Under 2.5 goals @ 1/1

Goals are likely to be at a premium in Panama City. Eight of Suriname's last 10 games have had fewer than three goals, while they have only found the net three times in their last five games – including a couple of scoreless draws.

Panama are not big on the entertainment factor either. Their previous five games have yielded a total of five goals.

The Fifa rankings suggest Panama will have the quality to get the win they crave, but it should be hard work to do so.

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