MEXICO CITY.- After starting with a victory against Bermuda, Mexico’s Concacaf Nations League campaign continues Tuesday with El Tri hosting Panama at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Panama also enters with its most recent match coming against fellow Group B opponent Bermuda, with Americo Gallego’s men suffering a 2-0 reverse in Panama City.
Gallego has brought back in many familiar faces, with center back Roman Torres, midfielder Alberto Quintero and forward Gaby Torres all in the group.
But he’s also invited in up-and-comers like Andres Andrade and Angel Orelien, with Independiente midfielder Abdiel Ayarza also in thanks to the strength of his Scotiabank Concacaf League performances.
Mexico got goals from Uriel Antuna, Jose Juan Macias, Hirving Lozano and Hector Herrera to open its CNL campaign with a 5-1 win over Bermuda.
Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino may want to rotate his squad some, with potential starts for 2019 Gold Cup standout Rodolfo Pizarro.
At center back, Carlos Salcedo and Nestor Araujo may need to repeat their partnership with the depth chart somewhat shallow at the back - though Luis Romo and Johan Vasquez also are in Martino’s squad.
Mexico has played fewer matches than the other teams in the group, but currently everyone has three points. If there’s a winner Tuesday, that team will be in the driver’s seat to get into the summer’s championship round.