Group B favorites at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the United States, will get their best chance at catching up to Canada in goal differential on Thursday as they face likely group bottom feeders Martinique.
After beating Haiti 1-0 in the opener, the USA trail Canada in the group, with the Canadians defeating Martinique 4-1 to begin the tournament. Can the USMNT replicate Canada's dominant win as they face Martinique? Check out our tips and predictions.
Martinique vs USA game info
• Location: Children's Mercy Park, Kansas City, KS
• Date: Thursday, July 15, 2021
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1
Martinique vs USA betting tips
- USA (-1,600)
- USA Over 3.5 goals (+135)
Read on for complete analysis
Martinique vs USA match odds
Martinique: +2,500
USA: -1,600
Draw: +800
Total: 2.5
Over 2.5: -275
Under 2.5: +210
Martinique vs USA betting preview
Weather
Scattered thunderstorms and 40 percent of rain are in the forecast on Thursday evening in Kansas City, with temperatures expected around 75 degrees Fahrenheit with 80 percent humidity.
Key injuries
Martinique: No injuries to report.
USA: Paul Arriola (Questionable).
Martinique vs USA predictions
Moneyline pick
Despite having all the cards stacked against them, Martinique got off to a dream start in the Gold Cup. French-born striker Emmanuel Riviere latched onto a wayward pass and, in a rare move for him, made no mistake slotting it home to give Martinique the lead. However, regular service quickly resumed, with Canada up 3-1 before 30 minutes were played, and Martinique never getting back into the game.
It won't get any easier on Thursday for Martinique, as they'll face a USMNT side that will feel shortchanged after Sunday. Though they took all three points in a 1-0 win, Haitian goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre did superbly to keep his country in it, making four saves while two other U.S. attempts found the woodwork.
The USMNT's decision to blend national team newcomers and MLS veterans in their Gold Cup squad may end up hurting them as the knockout stages progress, but group stage games won't get much more lopsided than this. The USA will win with ease, and the soccer betting value can be found on alternative spreads, rather than the moneyline.
PICK: USA (-1,600)
Team total pick
It's difficult not to feel bad for Martinique in the Gold Cup. Not recognized as a competing nation by FIFA, they are limited to CONCACAF tournaments only, meaning their most recent game before beginning the tournament on Sunday was nearly two years ago. The gap in cohesion and quality was fully evident in their loss to Canada, as the Canadians quickly overcame a 1-0 deficit and completely controlled proceedings.
Against a USMNT that has been playing the same system for nearly three years, underwent a full training camp in January and already have six games under their belt this year, Martinique's disadvantage will be magnified even more. The U.S. will be eager to pick away at Canada's goal differential advantage in this one and set themselves up to clinch the group in the finale against their northern neighbors. Expect a rout.
PICK: USA Over 3.5 goals (+135)
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