Football Bet of the Day: Canada won't push back Red Tide

Canucks to be frustrated

Canada v Panama
Thursday 14 October, 00:30

We rode the Andorra train to victory last night, as the minnows overcame San Marino 3-0 to give us our first winner of the week.

We'll stick with international fare now, because Canada are up against Panama in the early hours of tomorrow in a massive World Cup qualifier, and I think it could be tighter than the market suggests.

Panama are on a high after beating the USA 1-0 in their most recent qualifier, and they have the experience of having qualified for the last World Cup. Thomas Christiansen's side have conceded just two goals in their last five CONCACAF qualifiers, and they won 3-0 in Jamaica in September.

Canada are generally tough to beat on home soil (they haven't lost at home since 2016, a run of 20 games), but they aren't winning many matches in this section. Coach John Herdman has overseen four draws in five qualifiers so far, and there are injury doubts over Besiktas duo Cyle Larin and Atiba Hutchinson. Goalkeeper Milan Borjan is out after testing positive for COVID-19.

Panama are buzzing after that win over the USA, and they are an awkward side to play against. I don't think they'll necessarily win this game, but I can see them digging in and frustrating the hosts. At 1.584/7 in the Match Odds market, Canada seem a bit too short, despite the presence of excellent young players like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David. I'll happily lay the hosts.