CONCACAF Gold Cup: Martinique vs. USA Betting Preview, Odds, Prediction

The United States soccer team started the Gold Cup with a win but wants to add another one against Martinique this Thursday. Gregg Berhalter’s boys came to this competition with one thing on their mind, and that is to lift the trophy. Despite the fact that they won’t have all of the best players at disposal, this is a must-win situation for USMNT. On the other side, Martinique is a modest side, without some notable names. Their participation here is a huge success, and to be honest, we don’t see them doing anything significant.

Preview

Martinique (+1800) lost to Canada in the opening match with 4-1. Though Emmanuel Jose Riviere scored in the sixth minute to give the lead to his team, many were scratching their heads. Even though this advantage lasted for just six minutes, the goal that Crotone’s striker delivered put a focus on this team.

But Canada shifted into a higher gear, and we saw three goals in just 10 minutes, putting everything in its place, and rolling over the rivals.

Martinique often scores goals, and in the last six games, they wouldn’t net only on one occasion against Honduras on the road in the CONCACAF Nations League. On the other side, they conceded in at least one match during that period.

USA (-1100) began this championship very slow, beating Haiti just 1-0. Now, we aren’t underestimating anyone here, but as one of the top favorites to win the title, they should have done better.

The only goal took place in the 8th minute, with Colorado Rapids’ defender, Sam Vines, scoring. After that, we haven’t seen anything worthy of mentioning. Yes, the Americans had some chances and better overall statistics than Haiti, but weren’t impressed.

We were expecting to see them in ultra mode, hungry for goals, and ready to dominate, but really, nothing happened, which made us disappointed a little bit. On several occasions, USMNT allowed Haiti to threaten. That is why we expect to see them much better in the second event.

Latest News

We don’t have any news about Martinique and their injured or suspended players.

DC United’s Paul Arriola is on his way back home to the USA, following a hamstring injury he picked up against Haiti. The winger won’t be able to compete and will be looking to heal his issue as soon as possible.

Head to Head Games

USA and Martinique played only twice in the past 18 years. In the 2003 Gold Cup, the Americans won, 0-2. Four years ago, they met again at the same tournament, and again the US team won, 3-2. It was an exciting game, with lots of chances in front of both nets.

Prediction

After a pale and unexpectedly bad first match, we expect to see Berhalter’s boys flying over the field, trying to score as many goals as possible. Over 1.5 in the first 45 minutes is +105 for now, but we would advise you to bet on the Americans to score twice, with the odds slightly better, +115. Also, betting on the USA to win with a -3.5 handicap is a good thing. Odds on that are +300.