Sports Mole previews Wednesday's CONCACAF Nations League clash between Costa Rica and Guatemala, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Costa Rica And Guatemala Sunday's clash will see them try to secure a place in the 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals.
With five points from three games, the hosts currently sit in second place, two points behind Group A leaders Guatemala.
Competition preview
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Costa Rica are currently looking for a new permanent head coach Gustavo Alfaro He left his post in August to become Paraguay's new manager.
Interim boss Claudio Vivas He played his second game in charge as caretaker in a 3–0 win against Guadeloupe. Francisco Calvo, Ariel Lassiter And Warren Madrigal.
Costa Rica played out a goalless draw against Guatemala in the final match of the September international break, and they settled for another point after they return to action in Friday's away meeting with Suriname.
Josimar Alcazar He saw his opener canceled by Suriname Gleofilo VlijterCosta Rica looked to hold on for most of the second period before being given his marching orders in the 51st minute.
Los Ticos are certain to finish in the top four and qualify for the Gold Cup, but they will now look to secure a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals by finishing in the top two.
Costa Rica now prepare for their final group match knowing that beating Guatemala for the first time since recording a 2-1 victory in the 2014 Copa Centroamericana will guarantee them a place in the quarter-finals.
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Guatemala head into matchday four in pole position after two wins and one draw in three group games.
They opened the Nations League campaign with a 3–1 win over Martinique, before a goalless draw in the reverse fixture against Costa Rica.
After competing in a series of home games in September, Costa Rica travel to Friday's away meeting with Guyana.
An Oscar Sandys Brace and a Oscar Castellanos The effort proved to be enough to give Guatemala a 3-1 victory.
Guatemala, who have seven points from three matches, know they must avoid defeat against Costa Rica to make their first appearance in the Nations League quarter-finals.
The visitors have enjoyed mixed fortunes in their travels in the Nations League, with four wins, one draw and three losses in the tournament's history.
Costa Rica CONCACAF Nations League Format:
Costa Rica Form (All Matches):
Guatemala CONCACAF Nations League Format:
Guatemala Format (All Matches):
Group messages
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Costa Rica's Alcazar will serve his suspension after being shown a straight red card in the 1-1 draw with Suriname.
Jefferson Prince He was forced off in the first half on Friday and the midfielder is now set to miss the final group game against Guatemala.
While Alcocer and Brenes are not available for selection, Sebastian Acuna And Alvaro Zamora A chance to start the home match on Tuesday could be given.
As for the audience, Alejandro Galindo He is unlikely to feature after picking up an injury in Friday's win over Guyana.
Pedro Alton He replaced Galindo in the 28th minute of that contention and is now set to be given a starting chance.
The security guard Kevin Ruiz Can come in the back row Jose PintoIt is doubtful who will be withdrawn at half-time on the third day's play.
Costa Rica Probable Starting Lineup:
Seguera; Vargas, Calvo, Mitchell; Quiros, Aguna, Lassiter, Campbell; Madrigal, Zamora, Ugalte
Guatemala Probable Starting Lineup:
Hagen; Herrera, Samayoa, Ruiz, Arden; Castellanos, Franco; Sandys, Alton, Mendez-Laing; Rubin
We say: Costa Rica 1-1 Guatemala
Costa Rica and Guatemala clashed in Cuidad de Guatemala last month to settle for a share, and with both teams closely matched, we think they could play out another draw in Tuesday's return fixture.
Please click here for data analysis of most probable results, scores and more for this match.
