Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
In the early hours of Monday, June 16, the United States national team will make their Gold Cup debut against Trinidad and Tobago. The match kicks off at 00:00 Central European Time. Here’s my betting tip for this clash.
USA vs Trinidad and Tobago: Match preview
The US national team has undergone a coaching change, with Mauricio Pochettino now at the helm. However, recent results have been frankly disappointing. The Americans have suffered four consecutive defeats, with the latest coming in a 0-4 humiliation at the hands of Switzerland. Their last victory dates back to late January, a 3-0 win over Costa Rica. Despite being one of the tournament favorites and boasting a strong squad, the current form could either demoralize the team or, conversely, spur them on—especially with the tournament being played on home soil in the USA and Canada.
Trinidad and Tobago haven’t been faring much better lately. The team has lost three of its last four matches. In their final tune-up before the Gold Cup, Trinidad fell 1-2 to Costa Rica. Given the strength of the group, it will be a major challenge for Trinidad to compete with the USA and Saudi Arabia—most likely, they’ll be battling for third place.
Match facts
- The USA have lost their last four matches.
- Trinidad and Tobago have just one win in their previous four games.
- In the last Gold Cup, the USA reached the semifinals but were sensationally knocked out by Panama.
- In their most recent head-to-head, Trinidad and Tobago defeated the USA 2-1, although the Americans had won the previous four meetings in a row.
Probable lineups
- USA: Freese; Harriel, M. Robinson, McKenzie, Arfsten; De la Torre, Adams; Sullivan, P. Aaronson, Wright; Agyemang
- Trinidad and Tobago: Phillip; Cardenas, Raymond, A. Jones, Bato, Spicer; Sealy, Molino, Phillips, Fortune; L. Garcia
Prediction
Despite the USA’s disastrous recent form, I still see them as the favorites. Trinidad lack consistency, have a weaker squad, and, on top of that, the tournament is being played in the USA and Canada. My bet: USA individual total over 2.5 goals at odds of 1.8.
