2023 Gold Cup-USA vs. Jamaica - Gold Cup preview

 

 

The 2023 Gold Cup begins with an entertaining clash between USA and Jamaica on June 24th at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

 

The USMNT are coming into the tournament as reigning champions, after defeating Mexico 1-0 in the 2021 final to lift the trophy. Now, interim manager B.J. Callaghan, who will remain as head coach for the duration of the Gold Cup, will attempt to lead his side to consecutive titles.

 

Jamaica and head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, on the other hand, enter the tournament seeking revenge against the US after their 1-0 quarterfinal defeat in the 2021 tournament. The Carribbean side will be a tough test for USA as they welcome Demarai Gray after he switched his international allegiance from England to the Reggae Boyz.

 

The two countries have met 31 times dating back to 1988, with the USA leads the all-time series 19-3-3. The last time they experienced defeat against Jamaica was in 2019, during an international friendly, 1-0. Will USA triumph over Jamaica for the 20th time, or will the Reggae Boyz take control of Group A with an upset?

 

USA team news

 

B.J Callaghan had star-studded lineups in the Nations League final and semifinal that included the likes of Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Folarin Balogun. But those players are now preparing for pre-season with their clubs, forcing Callaghan to lead a much different squad in this Concacaf tournament.

 

Beyond Matt Turner, who returns to the camp as the No. 1 goalkeeper, it is an MLS-heavy roster for the American side as Cristian Roldan, Aidan Morris, Jesus Ferreira lead the way. Jordan Morris, DeAndre Yedlin, Cade Cowell, Brandon Vazquez, and Alex Zendejas will also form part of this Gold Cup side in an attempt to win the trophy.

 

USA are riding a six-game unbeaten streak and look to make it seven straight against Jamaica.

 

Jamaica team news

 

Andre Blake will be in between the posts for Jamaica as he closes in on 60 appearances for them in all competitions. The potential front three of Demarai Gray, Michail Antonio, and Leon Bailey could pose a threat for USA's backline with their pace and skill.

 

Antonio has scored three goals for Jamaica in seven appearances after making the one-time switch from England in 2021, while Bailey has managed three goals in 19 games played. It will be interesting to see what those two can do with Gray up front in the Everton player's debut for the Carribbean nation.

 

Following their Nations League exit in March, Jamaica has since played Qatar, who are also competing in the Gold Cup for a second time, and Jordan in tune-up friendlies. Jamaica were unable to win in either games, losing 2-1 twice. The Reggae Boyz hope to find the same magic that helped them knock off USA back in 2015 to set the tone early on.

 

 

Prediction

On paper, USA has the more balanced squad, but Jamaica's attacking unit should be able to create some chances to keep them in the game if they receive enough service. Things could get tricky for USA, especially if they are without Miles Robinson.

 

USA's forwards are still top-class, though. Together, they should be able to create plenty of chances against the Jamaica defense between Morris, Ferreira, Roldan, and Vazquez, but getting past Blake might be difficult. However, USA should have enough quality to overcome Jamaica in Matchday one of the Gold Cup.

 

Prediction: USA 2 - Jamaica 1

UEFA Europa League - Nantes vs Juventus Preview

 

 

Analysis:

At Stadium de la Beaujoire, Nantes will host Juventus for the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Knockouts.

 

Nantes

Nantes' home performances are poor. They have three wins, four victories, one loss, and no more than two goals per game in their last ten home games.

 

Juventus

Juventus tied Nantes 1-1 despite having the home field advantage and having more possessions in the first leg. On the road, though, they are reliable. They lost just twice in their last ten games. One was from Naples, the other from Befica.

 

Verdict:

It is final chance for Juventus to perform in European games because it is impossible for them to qualify for European games in Serie A this season. It is believed that Juventus will win.

 

Pick: 2

 

AH Pick: Juventus -0.5

 

UEFA Europa League - FC Barcelona vs Manchester United Preview

 

 

Analysis:

The UEFA Europa League knockouts between FC Barcelona and Manchester United will be played at Camp Nou.

 

FC Barcelona

This year, they have yet to lose. Their defense is strong, allowing just 0.3 average goals per game over the last 10 games. Additioanlly, their most recent home defeat was from Bayern in the Champions League in the last year.

 

Manchester United

Man United might be without up to seven players on game day, which causes issues for Erik. This is the cause why they have not played well recently, drawing ties with Leeds and Palace and losing to Arsenal.

 

Verdict:

Barce have the upper hand in the first half of each of their last ten games. And they did so in their last two games against Man United, winning both with a clean sheet.

 

FC Barcelona is anticipated to win full time and take the lead in the first half.

 

Pick: 1

 

HT Result: 1

 

AH Pick: FC Barcelona -0.5

FIFA Club World Cup - Al Ahly SC vs Real Madrid Preview

 

Analysis:

It is the first time for Al Ahly SC and Real Madrid to meet.

 

Al Ahly SC

They rarely face European teams. They have won numerous championships and are one of the best teams in Africa. They have a winning streak of four games with clean sheets.

 

Real Madrid

In the most recent match against Mallorca, Ancelotti used a rotational lineup. It is obvious that they are ready for the FIFA Club World Cup. Their recent five games all ended in under goals.

 

Verdict:

Al Ahly SC lack the experience of Real Madrid playing in International leagues. Real Madrid has a better chance of winning, but only by two goals or less lead.

 

Pick: 2

 

AH Pick: Al Ahly SC +1.5/+2

 

O/U Pick: Under 3.5

 

English Premier League,Everton ,Arsenal,Preview

 

 

Analysis:

Everton will face off Arsenal at home field this weekend.

 

Everton

This season, they have performed poorly, finishing nineteenth in the league table. And they are still recovering. They are on a four-game losing streak.

 

Arsenal

On the other hand, they are having a good season, now at the top of the league standings. They don't have any other leagues or cups to keep their attention for the rest of the season. Their only goal is to win the championship.

 

Verdict:

Everton are in a poor state while Arsenal are in form. There is no doubt that Arsenal are going to win.

 

Pick: 2

 

AH Pick: Arsenal -1.5

France Ligue 1 - Nantes vs Marseille Preview

 

 

Analysis:

Nantes will meet Marseille at Nantes Stade de la Beaujoire on Monday.

 

Nantes

They have been unbeaten for seven matches. Four of those games are draws. They perform well at home. The last home defeat they suffered was in October.

 

Marseille

They are in good shape and have a lengthy winning streak. After the World Cup, they have not experienced any losses. Now they rank third at the table of the league, with only five points away from the first.

 

Verdict:

Marseille have received 1W-2D-1L from Nantes in their last four meetings at Nantes Stade de la Beaujoire. Despite the fact that they are both in good shape, Nantes will not lose easy because of their home advantage.

 

Pick: 2X

 

AH Pick: Nantes +0.5

 

O/U Pick: Under 2.5

Spanish Copa Del Rey - Villarreal vs Real Madrid Preview

 

 

Analysis:

Last week, Villarreal defeated Real Madrid. Since 2018, it was their first triumph against Real Madrid. Will Villarreal get a winning streak against Real Madrid?

 

Villarreal

They have gone eight games without a loss. With the exception of the cup matchup 5-1 triumph over FC Cartagena, all of the scores were close.

 

Real Madrid

In 2023, they have 1W-1D-2L. One of the losses was to Villarreal in the league, while the victory was in the cup. Asian handicap were lost in all of the games.

 

Verdict:

Their prior ten encounters had six draws. Villarreal enjoy the home advantage. What's more, Villarreal are in form while Real Madrid are not in a good shape. It is predicted to be a close race but tend to a home win.

 

Pick: 1X

 

AH Pick: Villarreal 0/+0.5

English Premier League - Manchester United vs Manchester City Preview

 

 

Analysis:

Manchester derby will have a game at Old Trafford on Saturday.

 

Manchester United

After the international break, Man Utd have a winning streak, and in only one of those games—five of which were clean sheets—have they given up a goal. But the majority of their opponentsare at the bottom of the PL standings.

 

Manchester City

After a recent 1-1 draw with Everton and two clean sheets against Chelsea, they are very motivated. Man City won their last five games of -0.5/-1 bet365 O/U opening odds. And 60% of the time, their outcome matches what the betting companies predicted.

 

Verdict:

In their prior meetings, Man City enjoyed a three-match winning skid over Man Utd. Man Utd had twice lost to Man City previous season even at Old Trafford. Man City are more likely to win.

 

Pick: 2

 

BTTS: Y

 

AH Pick: Man City -1/1.5

France Ligue 1 - Lorient vs Monaco Preview

 

 

Analysis:

The fifth and the sixth of France Ligue 1 are going to play a game this Wednesday.

 

Lorient

Despite their current winning streak, both of the victories came away from home. It is strange that they perform better away from home. They have a losing skid at home.

 

Monaco

With a 75% away win rate this season, they are second only to PSG in terms of road performance. Additionally, they haven't lost in seven of their most recent away games.

 

Verdict:

In previous matches, Monaco have prevailed against Lorient, 6W-2D-2L, giving them the psychological advantage. According to above, Monaco stand the chance to win in the forthcoming game.

 

Pick: 2

 

O/U Pick: Under 2.5/3

Spanish La Liga - Valencia vs Cadiz Preview

 

 

Analysis:

Mestalla will hold a La Liga match between Valencia and Cadiz on Friday.

 

Valencia

In the last game, they defeated CF La Nucia 0-3, which ended their losing streak in December. They perform well at Mestalla, having a 50% win rate, with 1.88 scoring goals and 0.88 conceding goals on average of this season's home matches.

 

Cadiz

They are in good shape, having finished 2W-2D-1L during the FIFA World Cup. The only defeat was from a one-goal loss to Wolves. But they play poorly when travelling, with a 14% winning percentage.

 

Verdict:

Valencia rank tenth at the table of the league while Cadiz rank nineteenth. Besides, Valencia got 4W-4D-2L from Cadiz in their past games, which take the upper hand. Thus Valencia will win.

 

Pick: 1

 

AH Pick: Valencia -1

FIFA World Cup - Uruguay vs South Korea Preview

 

 

Analysis:

Uruguay and South Korea will give us an opening show of group H fixtures.

 

Uruguay

In their most recent match in September, they defeated Canada. Their current condition is unknown since it has been two months. They have a plenty of World Cup experience. Since 1950, they have not been miss the tournament.

 

South Korea

Son Heung Min is certainly the team's most well-known member. However, due to his injury, we doubt that he will be in the starting lineup.

 

Verdict:

Uruguay have prevailed six times in their last eight World Cup games. On the other hand, Six of South Korea's last nine World Cup games have ended in losses. It is believed that Uruguay are going to win in the coming game.

 

Pick: 1

BTTS: Y

FIFA World Cup - Germany vs Japan Preview

 

 

Analysis:

A good European national team and a strong Asian national team will play in an intriguing match on Wednesday.

 

Germany

Although they had won the world cup champion four times, they failed to get past the group stage the previous year. It should be noted that seven of their nine games this year ended with under goals, showing their interests on low-scoring results.

 

Japan

In recent games, they tied with Ecuador and lost to Canada, which shows their bad shape. This year, they haven't faced any European opponents. Lack of experience and strategy when they meet Die Mannschaft will be present.

 

Verdict:

Germany are more experienced than Japan in world-class competitions. Germany should receive greater attention in the upcoming game.

 

Pick: 1

BTTS: Y

Leixoes VS Oliveirense Match Preview

 

 

Team Analysis :

Leixoes and Oliveirense are in Group G of the Portugal League Cup. In addition, the group also has the presence of three names: Feirense, FC Arouca and Santa Clara.

 

Odds Analysis :

Leixoes and Oliveirense meet in the first round of the Portugal League Cup. The Asian market initially recorded Leixoes handicap 0/-0.5 but now the rate has been raised to 0.5 handicap. Leixoes' recent form is quite stable, they are unbeaten in the last 6 matches along with 4 consecutive matches Leixoes won the Asian ratio, on the opposite side, Oliveirense only has 17% win rate ie is that they have only one win in the last 6 matches, With a more stable performance than the opponent and playing at home, Leixoes is much more appreciated than the opponent.

 

Conclusion :

PICK AH : Leixoes -0.5

Germany Cup - Hannover 96 vs Borussia Dortmund Preview

 

 

Analysis:

A Bundesliga2 club will fight against a bundesliga 1 club for a Germany Cup game tonight. That’s Hannover 96 vs Borussia Dortmund!

 

Hannover havn't faced a Bundesliga team in a very long time. They have kept participating in the Bundesliga2. In each of their last 16 competitive games, they scored at least one goal.

 

Concerns regarding Dortmund's fronts in the European, Bundesliga, and Cup are causing Edin Terzic problems. Dortmund have chance of moving on but not sure. The Champions League may receive more attention from them.

 

As Dortmund take the upper hand over Hannover in the past head to head games with a record of 7W-1D-2L, Dortmund will probably win with low scoring.

 

AH Pick: Borussia Dortmund -1.25

 

O/U Pick: Under 1.90

 

BTTS: Y

England Championship - Reading vs Sunderland A.F.C Preview

 

 

Analysis:

Madejski Stadium will witness a game between Reading and Sunderland on Thursday.

 

Reading

Reading's competitiveness at home is demonstrated by the fact that they have won all four of their Championship home games thus far, with 2 scoring goals and 0.5 conceding goals on average.

 

Sunderland A.F.C

After two games under Mowbray, Sunderland hasn't changed much in terms of their system or approach. They won 3-0 against a depleted Rotherham team before losing 1-0 at Middlesbrough.

 

Verdict:

Reading take the upper hand over Sunderland in the past head to head games with 5W-1D-4L. Besides, Reading have the home advantage. It is predicted that Reading are going to win.

 

Pick: 1

 

Spanish La Liga - Girona vs Real Valladolid Preview

 

Analysis:

There will be a La Liga game between two newly-promotes at Municipal de Montilivi on Friday.

 

Girona

They get 1W-1D-2L in the first four rounds, ranking twelfth at the table of the League. In the last game, they tie with Mallorca 1-1. They are weak in offence, with only one scoring goal on average of this season.

 

Real Valladolid

They get their first victory of this season in the last game from another newly-promoted, Almeria. They are weak in both offence and defence, with two scoring goals but eight conceding goals in total.

 

Verdict:

Girona are in a poor state. Real Valladolid are in high morale after their first win of this season. Additionally, Mickael Malsa of Real Valladolid has recovered now. They will play better with the help of him.

 

Pick: 2

UEFA Europa Conference League - APOEL Nicosia vs Djurgardens Preview and Prediction

 

Analysis:

APOEL Nicosia will be faced with Djurgardens in the second leg of the playoff qualifier on Europa Conference League.

 

APOEL Nicosia

APOEL Nicosia have won the Cypriot Premier League champions for 28 times, but they only finished third last season. In the first leg of this contest, they suffered a 0-3 defeat at Djurgardens.

 

Djurgardens

Djurgardens have had 15 match unbeaten run in all competitions after they drew Varbergs BoIS FC with 2-2 in last League game. On their domestic League, they had an 11-5-3 record and led the League table with 38 points.

 

Verdict:

Djurgardens have won twelve of their 15 unbeaten matches and will protect a three goal advantage from the first leg. My prediction is Djurgardens to win.

 

1X2 Pick: 2

Portugal Primeira Liga - Maritimo vs GD Chaves Preview and Prediction

 

 

Analysis:

Maritimo and GD Chaves will square off at the Estadio dos Barreiros on Monday’s Portugal Primeira Liga.

 

Maritimo

Maritimo have enjoyed a good pre-season campaign, and they won the last 2 Friendly games, with wining over Leixoes and Santa Clara. However, they suffered a 1-5 away loss at the hands of FC Porto in the opening round of the new season, and now they haven’t got a win in 5 League games across the seasons since the middle of April.

 

GD Chaves

GD Chaves promoted into Portuguese top flight last season a 2-1 aggregate victory over Moreirense in the promotion playoffs after finishing 3rd in the Segunda Liga. In the new League, they failed to win the first round when they were beaten by Vitoria de Guimaraes with 0-1 at home.

 

Verdict:

Maritimo is a more superior and experienced team than their rival. And they have won past three home games in all competitions. My prediction is Maritimo would get a narrow win by this round.

 

1X2 Pick: 1

 

Swedish Allsvenskan / GIF Sundsvall vs Hacken Preview

 

 

Analysis:

GIF Sundsvall take on guests BK Häcken at NP3 Arena in this Allsvenskan fixture on Monday.

 

GIF Sundsvall

GIF Sundsvall will play in this game following on from a 1-1 Allsvenskan drawn match versus IFK Värnamo. It has been all too rare in recent games where GIF Sundsvall have shown defensive steel. In fact, GIF Sundsvall have been scored against in 5 of their previous 6 clashes, giving up 14 goals along the way. We will have to find out whether or not that trend can be continued on into this next match.

 

Hacken

BK Häcken have been effective going forward leading up to this encounter, scoring 14 times in their previous 6 matches. This doesn’t mask the fact that BK Häcken can also improve defensively after being scored against in 6 of those same games.

 

Verdict:

Hacken are the best team in the league and best away performance this season. The 1x2 first odd is 5.50-3.80-1.53, which means support the away team. Hacken should win this game.

 

Away win

J1 League / Kashiwa Reysol vs Kashima Antlers Preview

 

 

Pick:AH   Kashima Antlers (0/-0.5)  @1.88

 

Analysis:

The J1 League fixture at Sankyo Frontier Kashiwa Stadium on Saturday sees home team Kashiwa Reysol lock horns with opponents Kashima Antlers.

 

Kashiwa Reysol

Kashiwa Reysol lost 4-0 to Yokohama Marinos in the last round, ending their five-game winning streak, which was a huge blow to morale. But they are still on a four-game winning streak at home and are confident.

 

Kashima Antlers

In their previous game, Kashima Antlers drew 1-1 in the J1 League tie with Nagoya Grampus. The stats don’t lie, and Kashima Antlers have been scored against in 5 of their last 6 games, conceding 10 goals in all. At the back, Kashima Antlers certainly have room for improvement. We will just have to see if that trend will end up being continued on in this game.

 

Verdict:

Strength and form, Kashima Antlers is the better side. The 1x2 first odds is 3.00-3.50-2.20, which means support the away team. Kashima Antlers should win this game.