Mexico v Bolivia: Second string El Tri still too good for El Verde

Olympic gold medallists Mexico get their Copa America campaign underway against Bolivia and will be confident of a win despite missing a host of first choice stars.

Javier Hernandez, Carlos Vela and Giovanni dos Santos are among the absentees being rested for El Tri ahead of the Gold Cup but even so the Mexicans are second favourites to top Group A at 7/2.

Bolivia’s chances of winning the group are rated at 25/1 and with an impressive record over El Verde Mexico look set to oblige at odds of 8/15 against a side notorious for its struggles on the road.

Bolivia manager Mauricio Soria has promised some attacking intent from his side and while this will appeal to neutral fans, El Verde’s ardent followers can expect plenty of goals – at the wrong end.

Bolivia have conceded 19 goals in tier last seven games and with Mexico failing to score just twice in 11 matches – against Brazil and the US – this has all the makings of a goalfest.

DID YOU KNOW?

– Bolivia have not won a competitive away game since 1995, drawing 10 and losing 39 in that time

– 24 of Bolivia’s defeats in that run have come by at least two goals

– Bolivia have won just once on neutral soil since 1999

– Four of Bolivia’s last five matches have seen at least four goals

Recommended bet: Over 2.5 Goals @ 5/6

With goals expected at both ends it could also pay to make use of Ladbrokes’ latest Copa America Price Boost.

Both teams to score and Mexico to win has now been boosted from 9/4 to 11/4 and with Atletico Madrid ace Raul Jimenez looking to stake a claim for a Gold Cup starting berth those odds look too good to ignore.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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