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

Japan Emperor's Cup-Yokohama FC VS Grulla Morioka

 

 

Team Analysis

Yokohama FC are 16th in the Japan J1-League. Yokohama FC have won only 3 of their last 17 J1-League matches.

 

Grulla Morioka are 14th in the Japan J3-League. In Grulla Morioka's last 3 games in Emperor Cup there have been over 2.5 goals scored.

 

Match Analysis

The two teams have met twice before, in which Yokohama FC have managed to win in 1 of the meetings, zero draws and Grulla Morioka have also managed to win in 1 of the meetings. We should expect over 2.5 from this match.

 

Select over 2.5 to win this match.

International Friendly-China VS Palestine

 

 

Team Analysis :

China are hoping to win again following the 4-0 International Friendlies triumph over Myanmar

China have found the net a sum total of 7 times over their preceding half-dozen outings. Conversely, the tally of goals that have been scored against them in those same fixtures amounts to 8.

 

Odd Analysis :

Regarding the latest bookmaker odds in the 90 min. result market, backing China can be had for 1.64, going for the draw is 3.82 & putting your money on the win for Palestine can get you 5.51. They are the best of the market prices offered at the current time.

 

Conculsion :

In our opinion, China have it within them to create enough chances to score more than one when they line up against Palestine, who might well find it difficult scoring a goal of their own.

International Friendly-Indonesia VS Argentina

 

 

Indonesia has used the current international window to help prepare for next year's Asian Cup. They drew 0-0 with Palestine last Wednesday at home and have now played for share in their last two matches. Last March, they hosted Burundi for two friendly matches and won one game and drew the other. The Red and White team have been in good form lately and come into this game with only one loss from their last 12 matches.

 

World champions Argentina have also played friendlies since their win in Qatar at the end of last year. This will be their fourth friendly match and their second in Asia. The Albiceleste are using this friendly match to help prepare for the start of CONMEBOL's 2026 World Cup qualification process in September. Lionel Scaloni's men have won all three friendlies extending their winning streak to nine matches.

 

Argentina are in fine form and anything but a win for them here would be a shock. They are scoring a good goal and Lionel Messi has a lot to do with that.

UEFA Nations League A Championship Playoff-Netherlands VS Italy

 

 

Team News

Netherlands  

Matthijs de Ligt is also ruled out of the Nations League Finals after suffering a calf injury in training.

 

Italy

Alessandro Bastoni could miss out with flu.

 

Prediction

The UEFA Nations League Third Place Play-Off sees the Netherlands host Italy.

Netherlands were beaten by Croatia in extra time of the semi-finals. Donyell Malen opened the scoring in the 34th minute but two second half Croatia goals meant that Netherlands needed a 90+6 equaliser from Noa Lang to take the tie to extra time where they were downed by goals from Bruno Petkovic and Luka Modric.

Italy were beaten by Spain after going behind in the third minute, they fought back with Immobile equalising from the spot but a late Joselu goal sealed the Italian's fate.

These sides last met in the Nations League three years ago in a tie that ended in a 1-1 draw.

International Friendly- South Korea VS Peru

 

 

Team Analysis

 

Peru will start their short Asian adventure with the clash against South Korea on Friday at Busan Asiad Main Stadium.

 

The South American outfit will try and return to winning ways after failing to find the back of the net in two March friendlies against Germany (a 0-2 loss) and Morocco (a 0-0 draw).

Los Incas failed to make it to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by falling to Australia on penalties in the intercontinental playoffs exactly a year ago (after a goalless draw).

 

Odds Analysis

 

Jurgen Klinsmann will chase his maiden win in charge of South Korea. The clash against Peru will provide a great chance for the hosts to finally keep things quite at the back after conceding eight goals in the last three outings.

 

Looking at Peru’s recent displays, we just have to go for the Under 2.5 goals FT bet at the 1.70 odds. Alternatively, we like South Korea to keep a clean sheet at the 2.37 odds.

 

Prediction

Home win

UEFA Nations League A Championship Playoff »Spain VS Italy

 

 

Team News

Spain

Robin Le Normand is set to make his first Spain appearance having switched allegiance from France to La Roja, and he should partner Aymeric Laporte at the back.

While he starred in the Champions League final at the weekend, Rodri is tipped to start here.

 

Italy

Champions League final playing quarter Federico Dimarco, Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Acerbi and Nicolo Barella are all expected to start for the Azzurri on Thursday.

Despite his inexperience on the international stage, Mateo Retegui is set to lead the line for Italy once more.

 

Prediction

Spain will look to bounce back from an indifferent start to Euro 2024 qualifying that has seen them win one and lose one of their opening two matches. They topped Group 2 with 11 points from six games, though Luis Enrique was the man in charge for these six games.

Italy, like Spain, also topped their group with 11 points, pipping Hungary to top spot in the final round of fixtures. And like Spain, the Azzurri have won one and lost one of their opening two Euro 2024 qualification matches.

After such a long season, this game is unlikely to be played at a high tempo, so a draw may be on the cards.