United States vs. Mexico predictions

The United States and Mexico meet in the CONCACAF Cup to determine the region's representative in the 2017 Confederations Cup. Here is how the FC Yahoo crew sees Saturday's showdown at the Rose Bowl playing out.

[USA vs. Mexico Live: Follow the action as it happens at the Rose Bowl]

SHAHAN AHMED (FC Yahoo)

USA wins 2-1 – More than anywhere else, Jurgen Klinsmann has helped elevate the U.S. to the top of CONCACAF. A Mexico team still unsure of its direction or personnel under a new manager probably isn't ready to beat this U.S. – not yet anyway.

ALEX BAKER (FC Yahoo)

USA wins 2-1 in extra time – For all his ups and downs, Jurgen Klinsmann has never lost to Mexico. I think he'll find a way to motivate his team to victory. Clint Dempsey is still the player to look to for the big occasions and will be the Man of the Match.

ERIC FONG (Yahoo Deportes)

Mexico wins 6-5 on penalty kicks (1-1 after extra time) – It's going to be a close game, full of fouls and yellow cards, and there will be at least one red card. Against its tradition, Mexico will play defensively. Goalkeeper Moisés Muñoz will be the key in the shootout.

JOEY GULINO (FC Yahoo)

USA wins 2-1 – Whatever your feelings about the Jurgen Klinsmann era, his World Cup-influenced starting XI will be talented and experienced. Gyasi Zardes will cap a brilliant 2015 with the winning goal and a Man of the Match performance.

JOE LAGO (FC Yahoo)

Mexico wins 2-1 – All the lineup tinkering in 2015 comes back to haunt Jurgen Klinsmann in the biggest game of the year. An American backline lacking chemistry concedes early as Mexico dictates play behind Man of the Match Andres Guardado.

LEANDER SCHAERLAECKENS (FC Yahoo)

USA wins 4-2 on penalty kicks (1-1 after extra time) – Two strong midfields will neutralize each other but the goals will be scored on defensive mistakes. In a physical and degenerative slog, the Americans will eventually prevail from the penalty spot.

GRAHAM WATSON (FC Yahoo)

USA wins 4-3 on penalty kicks (1-1 in extra time) – There’s a lot on the line in this game and the pressure is definitely on the United States. However, it’s done well in pressure situations in the past and Jurgen Klinsmann has done a nice job coaching his team up to achieve the potential that this talented roster should exude. There’s a lot of vitriol between these two teams, but I think the USMNT cohesiveness and skill should allow them to escape in this one.