Panama vs. Costa Rica - Preview: Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Preview

Panama will host Costa Rica in a crucial CONCACAF Nations League match on Friday, March 24, 2023. Both teams will be looking to secure a victory to improve their standing in the tournament.

Panama is currently in second place in Group B with four points from two matches, while Costa Rica is in third place with three points from two matches. A win for either team would put them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage.

Team News

Panama will be without several key players for the match, including midfielder Edgar Yoel Bárcenas and defender Andrés Andrade, who are both suspended. However, they will be boosted by the return of forward Ismael Díaz, who has been in impressive form for his club Universitario in Peru.

Costa Rica will also be without some important players, including defender Francisco Calvo and midfielder Yeltsin Tejeda, who are both injured. However, they will be able to call upon the services of forward Joel Campbell, who has been in good form for his club León in Mexico.

Predicted Lineups

Panama (4-5-1): Meneses; Murillo, Machado, Escobar, Davis; Carrasquilla, Gómez, Cooper, Quintero; Waterman

Costa Rica (4-4-2): Navas; Fuller, Duarte, Waston, Oviedo; Borges, Bennette, Gerson Torres, Campbell; Contreras, Ruiz

Prediction

This is a tough match to call, as both teams are evenly matched. However, Panama has the home advantage and will be looking to make a statement. I predict that Panama will win the match 2-1.