The 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup did not start as planned for the United States, who were held to a 1-1 draw with Panama. The hosts will want to put in a much-improved display against Martinique in the second round of games in Group B.
United States have appeared in 5 of the last 6 CONCACAF Gold Cup finals and will be aiming to reach another one this year. However, they have won just 1 of the last 4 finals and were eliminated at the semi-final stage in 2015.
Martinique have never gone beyond the quarter-final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, reaching the knockout stages for the only time in 2002. Since then, they have either been eliminated at the group stage or failed to qualify for the tournament.
United States vs. Martinique
CONCACAF Gold Cup – Thursday 13rd July 2017 – 2:00 am
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Draw Best Odd of: 12/2 at Ladbrokes |
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United States
MartiniqueUnited States Form
United States have become a very tough team to beat over the past 12 months and have lost just 1 of their 10 matches during that period.
Bruce Arena’s team are undefeated in their last 9 games in all competitions, including wins over Jamaica, Honduras and Ghana. However, United States have drawn more games than they have won and will be aiming to turn drawing positions into winning positions.
At home, United States have lost 1 of their last 10 games which was against Mexico in World Cup qualifying.
Martinique Form
The 2-0 victory over Nicaragua in their first group game was Martinique’s first win in 3 games. Results did not go as planned in the Caribbean Cup and Martinique lost both matches, 2-1 to Curacao and 1-0 to French Guyana.
Those 2 defeats are the only losses suffered by Martinique in their last 10 games and they have won all 8 of the other matches in that sequence. However, not one of the teams Martinique have defeated in those 8 games are of the of the same standard as United States.
In contrast to United States, Martinique tend to either win or lose games and have drawn just 1 of their previous 14 matches.
Team News
Despite not playing well in their first match against Panama, Bruce Arena will resist making too many changes to his starting XI. Dom Dwyer will continue up-front following his goal in the Panama game and MLS rising star Kellyn Acosta will be given another chance in midfield.
Martinique, having won their first match, will probably stick to the same starting XI from that game. Goal scorers Kevin Parsemain and Steeven Langil are likely to start up-front.
Top Betting Tips
United States are clearly the better team of the two and will be determined to put in a better performance in-front of their own fans than last time out. United States can be backed at 2/9 with Ladbrokes to win the match.
The United States defence has proven tough to break down in recent games and Brad Guzan was in good form against Panama. Having conceded just 3 goals in their last 7 games, United States are a good bet to win this match to nil at odds of Evens with Ladbrokes.
Having scored in the opening match of the tournament and in the friendly against Ghana, United States striker Dom Dwyer will be full of confidence. You can get 15/4 with Ladbrokes for Dom Dwyer to open the scoring in this game.