Guatemala vs Panama Prediction: Draw seems the most likely outcome

In the wee hours of Friday morning (02:00 GMT), Guatemala face Panama in a vital World Cup qualifier. We are into the third round of Concacaf’s qualifiers, and topping your group at the end of this international break means a place at the World Cup is guaranteed. 

Suriname lead the way in Group A on six points, Panama are level on points with them and Guatemala are just behind on five, with El Salvador on three. With just two games to go, below you can find my Guatemala vs Panama predictions for this crucial qualifier. 

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Team News

Guatemala manager Luis Fernando Tena should pick Nicholas Hagen in goal given his consistency in this group stage. Jose Pinto and Jose Ardon should start as part of the back four alongside Aaron Herrera, who currently plays for D.C United. 

There’s a toss-up between Darwin Lom and Rubio Rubin up top while MK Don’s wide man Nathaniel Mendez-Laing should be a key figure on the wing. 

35-year-old Anibal Godoy should captain the visitors once again in midfield, while Al-Fayha goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera has seemingly won the battle to be Panama’s first-choice goalkeeper. 

This is an ageing squad with Jose Fajardo set to lead the line at 32, fellow striker Cecilio Waterman 34 and midfielder Alberto Quintero turning 38 next month. 

Guatemala vs Panama Odds

Guatemala are priced at 16/5 to win this game with Panama the clear favourites at 5/6. That gives the visitors an implied win percentage of 55%, while a draw is up at 11/5. 

Over 2.5 goals is 6/5, BTTS is 1/1 and the hosts are 6/1 to win to nil. More odds can be found on the link above. 

Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13

There have not been many goals at all in this group stage and I can’t see that changing in this vital meeting. Both teams have only managed to score three goals in four games in Group A, while Panama have conceded just twice, and Guatemala on three occasions. 

All four Guatemala qualifiers have seen under 2.5 goals, while the same can be said of Panama. It would take something truly out of the ordinary for this game to be packed with goals.

Today's Football Fixtures

Correct score 1-1 @ 11/2

These two drew 1-1 last time they met in the reverse fixture so I think there is decent value in backing it to come in again. A draw feels like the most likely outcome given the lack of goals we have seen from both sides, while three of Panama’s four group games have ended in draws. 

Two of their last three have been 1-1 draws, while the same can be said of Guatemala. Makes sense. Big price.

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