Mexico vs. Venezuela Betting Odds Preview, Copa America Prediction

First place in Group C will be on the line Monday, as heavily favored Mexico takes on Venezuela in Houston. Mexico is listed as minus-160 chalk (bet $160 to win 100) at sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark and has never lost to Venezuela with a 2-0-0 mark in two previous Copa America meetings.

Both teams have yet to lose a game in the group round, already advancing to the quarterfinals because Uruguay and Jamaica are each without a point.

Match Odds: Mexico -160, Venezuela +425, Draw +290

Mexico remains one of the favorites to win Copa America and would like to avoid a matchup with Argentina in the quarters, which would likely be the case with a second-place finish in Group C.

El Tricolor has been dominant in its first two matches, allowing only one goal in a 3-1 win over Uruguay in its opener on June 5. Mexico followed that up with a 2-0 victory against Jamaica last Thursday behind goals from Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez in the 18th minute and Oribe Peralta in the 81st minute. Mexico outshot Uruguay 18-5, including 5-3 on goal.

Meanwhile, Venezuela has not allowed a goal in the tournament, earning a pair of 1-0 wins versus Jamaica and Uruguay so far. Uruguay outshot the Venezuelans 13-12 on Thursday, but only one of those shots was on goal.

Jose Salomon Rondon’s score in the 36th minute proved to be the game-winner, after Josef Martinez had the team’s lone goal at the 15-minute mark to defeat the Jamaicans in the previous game. Venezuela outshot Jamaica 14-10.

Defense has been a strength of both squads leading up to this showdown, as they are set to square off for the first time since 2012. Mexico won that last meeting 3-1, but Venezuela was able to earn draws in the previous two head-to-head matchups.

In order for the Venezuelans to pull off the upset, they will need to continue their stellar defensive play while being more aggressive offensively. They were outplayed statistically by Uruguay but still managed to win.

For Mexico, bringing an 11-game winning streak into the quarters is essential. Motivation is high following last year’s disappointing finish in Copa America (two draws and one loss). A victory here will probably lead to a quarterfinal matchup with Chile or Panama, which would be another winnable game for the favorite.

As the second choice to win the tournament ahead of other group leaders Brazil and Colombia, Mexico will want to make a big statement against Venezuela and prove it is the team to beat the rest of the way.

Prediction: 2-0 Mexico

All betting lines data courtesy of Odds Shark. Check out the latest Copa America news.