Canada will host Suriname at BMO Field on Wednesday in the second leg of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals.
The Canadians secured a narrow 1-0 win in the first leg, setting up a crucial clash to reach the semi-finals of the competition.
Game preview
Canada was one of the best teams in CONCACAF last year, winning 13 of its last 16 competitive games.
They reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Copa América, narrowly missing out on the bronze medal and want to make up for it by winning promotion to the Nations League.
Suriname, on the other hand, has struggled against the region’s strongest teams, losing all six of its previous meetings with Canada, the United States and Mexico while scoring just one goal.
However, they managed to suffer a narrow defeat in the first leg of this tie, demonstrating their ability to frustrate their opponents.
Canada came into this game undefeated in their last four games and have won three of those games. In the last three competitive games they kept two clean sheets, which underlines their defensive strength.
Suriname have been more inconsistent in all competitions: they won two, drew one and lost two of their last five games.
Head to head
In the three previous meetings between Canada and Suriname, the Canadians emerged victorious each time, outscoring their opponents 7-1 overall.
Team news
Canada will have to do without the services of the star winger Alphonso Davies, who takes a break because of fatigue. However, they can still rely on players like Jonathan David and Cyle Larin, who have each scored 30 goals for the national team.
Suriname made several changes to their starting lineup: Stefano Denswil, Justin Lonwijk and Djevencio van der Kust were all called up to the senior team for the first time.
Expected starting lineups
Canada: (5-3-2)
Crepeau;
Ahmed, Johnston, Waterman, Bombito, Laryea;
Eustaquio, Choiniere, Shaffelburg;
Larin, David
Suriname: (4-2-3-1)
Vaessen;
Van Gelderen, Abena, Denswil, Haps;
Malone, Pinas;
Becker, Paal, Lonwijk;
Vlijter
forecast
Canada’s experience and quality are likely to overwhelm Suriname in this second leg, despite the visitors’ impressive performance in the first leg.
The Canadians have a strong defensive record and will be motivated to make up for their disappointment in last year’s Nations League.
While Suriname could pose a threat on the counterattack, we expect Canada to control the tempo and secure a comfortable 2-0 win to advance to the semi-finals.
- Result prediction: Canada – Suriname 2-0
Betting tips
– Canada wins
– Over 2.5 goals
– Jonathan David can score at any time
– Both teams score – No