Gregg Behalter’s side’s success in the current CONCACAF Nations League shall motivate them to aim another trophy. This year’s Gold Cup seems to be the reasonable one eventhough no big names in European Leagues are included in the squad. Behalter is quite confident with his MLS-based team and ready to take the top of the table from Canada which is currently leading the standings.
Both teams’ previous games
USMNT ran rampant against Martinique and hammered them 6-1. Daryl Dike netted a brace, followed by Samuel Camille’s own goal, Miles Robinson’s, Gyasi Zardes’ and Nicholas Gioacchini’s goal.
Canada still keeps their position on the top after crushing Haiti 4-1. Stephen Eustaquio opened the scoring. Cyle Larin extended their lead at the second half. Haiti managed to score a lifeline through Stephane Lambese five minutes later. Yet, it only lasted less than 20 minutes before Larin completed his brace as he converted his penalty plus another one by David Hoilett five minutes later.
Possible tactic
Gregg Berhalter is likely to deploy 4-2-3-1 formation counting on Gyasi Zardes and Paul Arriola as wide attacker to support Daryl Dike as the targetman while Kellyn Acosta could be operating as the number ten role behind the frontman.
John Herdman would be in favour of 4-5-1 or 4-4-2 formation. The injury of Alphonse Davies and Lille’s Jonathan David is a huge blow for them. They can only rely on Besiktas man Cyle Larin and Lucas Cavallini upfront to score goals in USMNT’s solid defence. In the midfield, Jonathan Osorio, Stephen Eustaquio, M Kaye and Samuel Piette are opted to form a defensive stance from the second line.
Players to watch
The senior striker Gyasi Zardes remains one of the most experienced one in the squad as he has scored twelve goals in 56 appearances, the young stars Dary Dike contributing three goals in the tournament, defender Walker Zimmermann, LA Galaxy man Sebastian Lletget and Boavista’s Reggie Cannon.
Canada’s top performer in this squad is Cyle Larin. The Besiktas forward has netted three goals in the tournament, which adds his tally to 18 in the international fixtures. Some other notable names to watch are Jonathan Osorio, Pacos Ferreira man, Stephen Eustaquio and CF Montreal midfielder, Samuel Piette.
USA vs Canada Prediction
The highly-motivated host will be striving to secure three points here, while Canada might be more cautious to close down the Yankees’ side and frustrate their attacking line. John Herdman’s men might try to mirror Haiti which managed to almost hold USA in a goaless draw. Nevertheless, Gyasi Zarses and Co could still snatch a win here eventually.
Betting odds
The USA is certainly the favourite here. Belhalter’s men are backed to win at +105, whereas Canada’s odds to win are at +210. The value for a draw result is at +145.
