I think Mexico have a very good chance of getting a result against the USA since the US will have four players missing and struggling teams often improve under a new coach
Michael Bradley (their best player, A.S. Roma), Jozy Altidore, Geoff Cameron and Matt Besler will all be absent due to injury (Bradley) or cards.
"I don't think it changes a lot," Klinsmann said. "We need to have our four points at least to qualify. We will get those four points."
- so Klinsmann's not exactly desperate for a result...
If Mexico win (and there'll be plenty of Mexicans in the crowd in Columbus), then a lot hinges on Honduras v Panama.
Scenarios: (1) Mexico beat USA and Honduras and Panama draw: Table will be (i) Costa Rica (ii) USA 13 pts (iii) Honduras and Mexico level on 11 points , separated by goals for and against: Honduras 8 : 8, Mexico 4 :4 (iv) Panama 8 pts
CONSEQUENCE: WOULD LEAVE IT WIDE OPEN FOR MEXICO TO FINISH IN TOP THREE
(2) Mexico and USA draw; Honduras beats Panama: Table will be: (i) Costa Rica (ii) USA 14 pts (iii) Honduras 13 pts (iv) Mexico 9 pts
CONSEQUENCE: MEXICO WOULD STRUGGLE TO MAKE THE TOP THREE AND COULD FINISH FOURTH
(3) Panama beats Honduras and USA beating Mexico would be great results for NZ leaving (i) Costa Rica (? pts) or USA (16 pts) at top (ii) Panama and Honduras level on 10 pts (iii) Mexico fifth on 8 pts
CONSEQUENCE: MEXICO OUTSIDE THE TOP FOUR
Should point out Honduras have lost three games so far (with three wins), compared to Mexico only the one loss on the weekend (they've drawn five) - so Honduras are vulnerable to losing.
In the remaining game of the round, I predict Costa Rica will either win or draw away to Jamaica which won't affect anything.Mexico's last qualifiers: 12/10 v. Panama (H) 16/10 v. Costa Rica (A)
Honduras last qualifiers: 12/10 v Costa Rica (H) 16/10 v. Jamaica (A)
Also: 12/10 USA v Jamaica 16/10 Panama v USA
CONCACAF Schedules and results: http://www.concacaf.com/category/world-cup-qualifying-men/schedule-results
Table: click on "Standings"