Costa Rica vs Honduras Prediction: Ticos to keep World Cup dream alive

Honduras are leading the way in Concacaf World Cup qualifying Group C, but it is an extremely tight section, with Haiti also on eight points and Costa Rica only two behind.  Any of those three teams could finish top, making the final set of games in the early hours of Wednesday morning (01:00 GMT) crucial. 

Honduras need a convincing win to ensure automatic passage to next summer's finals, while Costa Rica must take three points and hope Haiti slip up if they are to finish top and avoid the intercontinental playoff. That may lead to a tight clash in San Jose, but it may just be one that the hosts can prevail in. Read on for my Costa Rica vs Honduras predictions...

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Team News

Costa Rica have no reported injury concerns. Keylor Navas is the most recognisable name in the squad, while former Arsenal forward Joel Campbell could come in after the Ticos' blank against Haiti.

Honduras will again be without key men Denil Maldonado, Edwin Rodriguez, Alexander Lopez and Jose Julian Martinez Crisanto.

Manager Anthony Lozano may ring the changes after a disappointing loss to Nicaragua.

Costa Rica vs Honduras Odds

Costa Rica are 4/5 favourites, with Honduras 16/5 and the draw available at 9/4.

It's 11/10 for over 2.5 goals and 10/11 for both teams to score.

Costa Rica to win @ 8/11

Honduras may be top of the section right now, but it is hard to see them keeping their summit spot after Wednesday’s fixtures.

Costa Rica know only a win will keep their World Cup dream alive, and that motivation, as well as home advantage, should see them put in a much stronger performance than the one they gave in a 1-0 defeat at plucky Haiti last time.

The Ticos have a brilliant home record, winning seven and losing just one of their last 10 games on their own patch, and a shade of odds-on looks a price worth taking.

Honduras were woeful in a 2-0 loss to Group C basement boys Nicaragua last week and lack the quality of Costa Rica, who are unbeaten in four head-to-heads.

Today's Football Fixtures

Under 2.5 goals @ 4/6

Although Costa Rica have shown real attacking intent on their own patch during this qualifying campaign, scoring seven goals in their two home games, the stakes in this clash mean a cagey affair is expected.

Just three of this pair's combined 10 qualifiers have gone over 2.5 goals, and backing the under looks a smart punting play.

The reverse fixture in Honduras finished 0-0, saw just two shots on target and a total of only 1.04 expected goals, suggesting a similarly low-scoring encounter is on the cards in San Jose.

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