With only two games remaining, the USA are looking good to qualify for the World Cup finals. They are in second place in the group and host Panama who are fifth and four points behind them. The top three automatically head to Qatar with Mexico in third, behind the Americans on goal difference. The USA drew 0-0 in Mexico this week and with a far better goal difference than fourth placed Costa Rico, even a draw in this game should see them through. A win will confirm that though and avoid any nerves for their last game away in Costa Rica. Home form has been strong for the Americans with five wins and a draw with Canada in their six qualifiers.
Panama slipped down to fifth after only drawing 1-1 at home with Honduras. That was a hugely disappointing result for them as the visitors are bottom and without a win. That's put Panama a point behind fourth which is the Inter-Confederation Cup play-off position. Panama have a tough run-in though with a final game at home to group leaders Canada. They struggle on their travels and have only had wins against the bottom two in the group. Four away games against Canada, Mexico, Costa Rico and El Salvador have all been lost and just one goal scored. Back the USA to win this match.