Mexico vs South Korea Predicted Lineups & Team News

One of the host nations Mexico got their World Cup off to a winning start as they beat South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, but they face more of a test in their second game against South Korea (7pm Thursday local, 2am Friday, BBC One). 

Below you can find my Mexico vs South Korea Predicted Lineups & Team News.

Mexico

Mexico will be without centre-back Cesar Montes after he was dismissed in the opener, with captain Edson Alvarez likely to come into the heart of the defence to replace him. It was hard to judge their performance against nine men, but Javier Aguirre is unlikely to make too many unenforced changes. 

The full-backs in the 4-1-4-1 system should remain unchanged after a clean sheet, with Israel Reyes and Jesus Gallardo set to continue and Genoa’s Johan Vasquez should also keep his spot. Cruz Azul's Erik Lira will be the holding midfielder, along with Alvaro Fidalgo and Brian Gutierrez in the engine room. 

There is some concern surrounding goalscorer Julian Quinones who started on the left. He asked to be subbed in the win but should be okay to start here, with Alexis Vega a suitable replacement if not. Roberto Alvarado will keep his place on the right wing with Raul Jimenez searching for another goal up top.

South Korea

After a fantastic display ended in victory against Czech Republic, South Korea are expected to name an unchanged team in their 3-4-2-1 formation. Son Heung-min should lead the line once more, but the star of the show was PSG’s Lee Kang-in, who was superb playing just behind him. 

The experienced Lee Jae-sung may lose his spot in attack in favour of Hwang Hee-chan, but the midfield behind him impressed and should remain unchanged. Feyenoord’s Hwang In-beom was superb partnering Paik Seung-ho of Birmingham City, while Lee Tae-soek and Seol Young-woo occupying the wide areas. 

Lee Han-beom, Kim Min-jae and Lee Gi-hyuk should keep their places in the back three, in front of goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu. Oh Hyun-gyu scored from the bench but I’m not sure that will be enough to replace Son and force his way into the starting XI yet. 

Remember you can bet on this match and check out all of the live Mexico vs South Korea Odds over on betfred.com

Mexico vs South Korea Key Players:

Key Player - Raul Jimenez (Mexico)

Mexico have a lot of talent but their main man still produces up top. He scored a classic header from close range in the opener but his all-round play was strong as well. He had 32 touches, created two chances and had two shots on target, scoring once. If Mexico are going to be able to get away from this energetic South Korean side, then Jimenez’s hold-up play is going to be absolutely key. 

Key Player - Lee Kang-in (South Korea)

How good was the PSG man in that win over Czech Republic? He created the joint-most chances (three) and completed the most dribbles (five), while he had 63 touches as his elusiveness proved difficult to deal with. 

With Son fading, he is the star of this side now, and I’m expecting another big performance.

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