Two of the best defences in the CONCACAF group go head-to-head when table-toppers Canada visit play-off hopefuls Costa Rica
Canada are looking to strengthen their hold on first place in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying group when they visit Costa Rica on Thursday.
The visitors have a four-point lead at the top of the table and are close to securing a place in the finals in Qatar.
Their opponents, however, are pushing to overtake Panama and seal the inter-continental play-off spot with three games left to play.
Costa Rica vs Canada latest odds
The table-toppers are unbeaten so far in qualifying and have won their last six matches in the group.
Canada are the favourites to win in Costa Rica at 7/5 (2.4) with bet365 while the home side are offered at 21/10 (3.1).
A draw between the two teams is available at 2/1 (3.0).
Costa Rica vs Canada first goalscorer
Jonathan David can be backed at 11/2 (6.5) to score the game’s first goal, while Cyle Larin, the top scorer in CONCACAF qualifying, is available at 6/1 (7.0).
Costa Rica star Joel Campbell, meanwhile, is priced at 13/2 (7.5) to break the deadlock and Anthony Contreras can be backed at 7/1 (8.0).
Costa Rica vs Canada preview
Canada are looking to secure their place in a World Cup finals tournament for the first time since 1986.
Having won their last six matches in the qualifying round, they will be confident of getting the crucial three points at Costa Rica.
They are without star player Alphonso Davies, however, as the Bayern Munich full-back is working his way back to fitness following a heart condition. Plus, fellow left-back Samuel Adekugbe is suspended for this clash.
Costa Rica will put up a good fight for the group leaders. They have lost once at home in this stage of the qualifying phase and are pushing to beat Panama to the play-offs.
They sit just one point behind Panama and a positive result in this game will give their hopes of overtaking them a significant boost.
Costa Rica vs Canada tips & predictions
These two teams have the strongest defensive records in the CONCACAF group, with Canada conceding just five times and Costa Rica a mere seven.
This game having under 2.5 goals is priced at 4/9 (1.44) and may prove a smart bet.
Odds correct at the time of writing. 18+.
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