Mexico vs Colombia: Top 5 Storylines and Prediction for Star-Studded Friendly

As Mexico and Colombia get set for their first matchup since September 2010, there are plenty of stars and storylines that figure to reignite the rivalry.

Their last matchup ended in a 1-0 Mexico victory, but Colombia has won three of their past four meetings. Mexico holds the series advantage at 12-9-6.

Here's a look at the top five storylines on Wednesday night, complete with a prediction.

5. Jonathan dos Santos' Return

Wednesday's friendly will mark Jonathan dos Santos' return to Mexico's senior national team.

The 21-year-old is pegged as Mexico's midfielder of the future and may be ready as soon as June's qualifiers for the World Cup. Dos Santos' emergence this year could catapult an already dangerous Mexican squad.

4. Colombia Coaching Debut of Jose Pekerman

A lot is being made of Jose Pekerman's coaching debut with Colombia on Wednesday.

The Argentinian led Argentina to the quarterfinals of the 2006 World Cup, using a fast-paced and pass-heavy style of play.

If he's able to incorporate the same dynamic offensive game plan into Wednesday's friendly, favored Mexico could have its hands full.

3. Colombia Offensive Attack

When you have players such as Falcao and James Rodriguez, it's hard not to watch in awe sometimes.

Pekerman will have to avoid this during the friendly and execute his game plan with precision in what figures to be a high-scoring affair.

Falcao is a superstar and Rodriguez is one of the true up-and-comers in soccer, being linked to Manchester United.

Pekerman indicated that Falcao may not get the start due to his late arrival from Europe and the minutes he's played for Atletico. That surely could change the outcome of the game.

2. Mexico's Offensive Attack

Obviously, Mexico sports one of the greats of this generation in Javier Hernandez, or "Chicharito" as he has affectionately been called. Holding down Chicharito will be a task in itself for Colombia.

However, you also have the dynamic combination of Pablo Barrera, Giovani dos Santos and Andres Guardado.

Mexico will be looking to score early and often, knowing full well that a couple of goals may not be enough.

1. Colombia's Starting Center Tandem

This could be the biggest factor, in my opinion.

Pekerman's style of play lends for high-scoring games, but it can also expose his center backs. What's more, Pekerman's center backs just happen to be 36-year-old Mario Yepes and 33-year-old Luis Perea.

In that regard, it's going to be critical for Yepes and Perea to be on top of their games or Colombia is going to get burned.

Prediction: Colombia 3, Mexico 2

Keep in mind, this is only if Falcao starts. If he doesn't, I'm giving the game to Mexico.

I think the high-scoring tandem of Falcao and James Rodriguez, combined with Pekerman's game plan, will offer more firepower than Chicharito and Co.

It's such a close game to call, but I'm leaning toward Colombia if Falcao gets on the pitch early.