Aubrey Modiba has been fouled 1+ times in all of his last seven international qualifiers for South Africa, averaging 1.86 fouls drawn per 90 across that time period.

Modiba operates as an attacking left-wing, alternating between a wide-midfielder when South Africa has deployed a 3-back, whilst also falling back into a more traditional full-back role when asked of him. Modiba's foul numbers are consistent across competitions, drawing 1.0 fouls per 90 in the South African Premier Division, where he operates his trade for Mamelodi Sundowns.

Modiba is predicted to start in South Africa's opening fixtures, with a likely matchup against Roberto Alvarado and Israel Reyes. Alvarado is of particular interest, as it seems the more direct matchup with Modiba is likely to be further back in the game South Africa is up against. Alvarado averaged 1.3 fouls committed per 90 in the Liga MX this season, also registering a foul in one of two of Mexico's most recent friendlies.

Thalente Mbatha has had 1+ one in each of his last five International Qualifiers, with an average of 1.20 shots per 90.

Mbatha is certainly not one to shy away from a shot, as was demonstrated in South Africa's most recent friendly, where he registered two shots, both from long distance and managed one effort on target. Mbatha has been a strong bet for 1+ shots when playing for Kaizer Chiefs this season, averaging 1.6 per 90 in his domestic league.

Mbatha's tendency to try his luck from range is the key factor in strengthening this selection. Everything suggests that South Africa is facing a tough matchup here, priced at 7/1 to come away with the win, and opportunities are likely to be scarce, with South Africa forced to settle for Low xG efforts to pose a threat to a strong Mexico Side. Mbatha's profile fits this perfectly.

Mbatha was replaced by Jayden Adams in South Africa's most recent matchup, which bodes even more beneficially for this selection as with Bet365's Sub On Play on offer, the bet may transfer to the man who has had 1+ shots in all of his last three fixtures for South Africa.

Johan Vasquez has committed at least one foul in all of his last five starts in International fixtures for Mexico.

Vasquez is a standout member of this Mexico squad who looks to bring glory to their home supporters this summer, having started 36 times for Genoa in Serie A this season. He has been deployed as a centre-half in Mexico's international friendlies. Vasquez ran into the most foul trouble when matched up against Mohamed Touré of Australia, committing two fouls.

Touré is a dynamic striker and has a profile similar to Vasquez's probable matchup on Thursday evening: Burnley's Lyle Foster, who is not shy about drawing fouls himself and will be keen to test Mexico's line in behind. Foster has drawn at least one foul in his last three international friendlies, at a rate of 1.33 per 90, and Vasquez is the man likely to be tasked with setting the tone regarding South Africa's biggest offensive threat.

Oswin Appolis has had at least one shot in each of his last five International Qualifiers averaging 1.80 shots per 90.

Appolis is South Africa's other main attacking threat and comes into the tournament off the back of his best ever goalscoring season. With his side likely to be on the back foot in this one, Appolis' pace could hurt Mexico on the counter.

Last time out against Nicaragua he had two shots despite only playing the second half. Appolis is also the back up penalty taker should Lyle Foster not be on the pitch.

Ladislav Krejci has had at least one shot in all of his last five international qualifiers for Czechia, averaging 1.40 per 90.

Krejci netted perhaps the most important goal in Czechia's recent footballing history, scoring in the 100th minute to take the lead against Denmark in a fixture that ultimately saw Czechia reach the World Cup on penalties. Krejci has been a consistent danger in the air all season, managing two goals for a woeful Wolves side from centre-back and an incredibly impressive tally of 0.8 shots per 90 overall in the Premier League

For those looking for a higher-odds bet, Krejci's shooting streak for Czechia has been synonymous with accuracy, with his five-game-long run also applying to Shots On Target at 3.50 and with what is likely to be a tight fixture, keep an eye on Krejci as the key danger for Czechia from set-pieces.

Tomas Soucek has had at least one shot in all of his last seven international qualifiers for Czechia, averaging 1.71 shots per 90.

Soucek has long been known on our side of the pond as a midfielder who poses a goal scoring threat and similarly to Krejci the set piece angle works favourably. Czechia's key advantage in a tightly matched fixture is likely to be a physical one as they look to exploit a notable size advantage over their South Korean counterparts. Soucek stands at 6ft4 and is another key aerial threat for a side who registered 7.5 corners per game in European Qualifiers.

The aerial threat is clearly a key angle for this fixture, however Soucek offers more than just a corner threat, Czechia also operate with long throws, with an average of 22.7 throw ins and 9.7 free-kicks per game alongside the corners, it seems highly likely that Soucek may be able to use his size in all kinds of dead-ball scenarios.

Hwang In-Beom committed at least one foul in all of his last seven international qualifiers for South Korea, averaging 1.29 per 90.

Hwang In-Beom fouling streak was strong in Asian Qualifiers for this tournament as noted, however it is expanded even further when you take friendlies into account, where he has also been racking up the fouls and was the only South Korean player to be booked in a match they dominated against El-Salavador last time out. Hwang In-Beom committed six fouls across his last two competitive fixtures for South Korea, against lesser opponents than today.

Hwang In-Beom will likely match up against Soucek and Darida, who are fouled at rates of 0.8 and 0.5 per 90, respectively. Soucek is carrying a five-match fouls-won streak into this, with a rate of 2.00 per 90 in his last five. Whilst the numbers aren't sky-high, Soucek and Darida are both progressive midfielders who will be relied upon to carry the ball forward for Czechia, and Hwang In-Beom tenancy will be called upon to slow them down, a foul looks likely here, with 2+ also being a strong bet.

Tomas Soucek has won at least one foul in all of his last five international qualifiers for Czechia, averaging 2.00 per 90 in that stretch.

This pairs with our last selection strongly, Hwang In-Beom's fouling nature has already been discussed and it seems logical to play both sides here with Soucek boasting such a strong streak. Hwang In-Beom's partner Jae-Sung Lee has committed at least one foul in all of his last five appearances for South Korea as well, boosting the notion that a scrappy midfield battle is likely here.

Soucek offers the stronger profile out of the two Czechia midfielders in terms of fouls drawn, it makes sense to target him in an area of pitch which we believe will be rife with fouls. However, a second aspect to consider is what was highlighted previously, his aerial threat is likely to be a real thorn in South Korea's side and there could be some fouls to be won in contestable aerial duels that Soucek is likely to emerge on top in.