class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Despite their slow start to the Gold Cup, Al Hain-Cole is backing the Stars and Stripes to ease to victory over Bocaly's out-of-practice team
USA will be hoping to extend their winning start to the Gold Cup when they take on Martinique at Children’s Mercy Park on Thursday.
Gregg Berhalter’s men failed to convince in their opening Group B game against Haiti, running out narrow 1-0 winners in a largely frustrating display.
Martinique vs USA latest odds
Nevertheless, USMNT are overwhelming 1/16 (1.06) favourites with bet365 to make it six points from six by coming out on top in Kansas.
Martinique were beaten 4-1 by Canada in their opener but can be backed at 25/1 (26.00) to pull off a huge upset with a win or 8/1 (9.00) to grind out an impressive draw.
Martinique vs USA team news
Paul Arriola will be assessed after being forced off with a hamstring injury against Haiti, while Reggie Cannon is also doubtful with a hamstring issue that caused him to miss that clash altogether.
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The guests are likely to stick with the same line-up that took on Canada, with former France Under-21 striker Emmanuel Riviere leading the line in attack.
Martinique vs USA preview
Having fielded a rather inexperienced XI after allowing their star players a summer break following last month’s CONCACAF Nations League victory, it is perhaps unsurprising that the Stars and Stripes struggled for fluidity in their opener.
However, their teething problems are relatively minor in comparison to Mario Bocaly’s team, which doesn’t take part in FIFA-organised competitions and therefore hadn’t played a game in almost two years prior to the Canada defeat.
It is therefore understandable that the French overseas territory conceded four goals and made numerous sloppy errors in that game, failing to take advantage of Riviere’s early opener.
Another similar display is sure to be punished by a USA team that can only improve with each game, particularly with home advantage on their side.
Martinique vs USA predictions
In fact, odds of 10/11 (1.91) look like solid value on a Martinique squad made up mostly of semi-pro players from the domestic league losing out once again in another match featuring over 3.5 goals.