Martinique vs USA Odds & Prediction – Gold Cup Group B Matchday 2

• Martinique and the USA clash in Group B action at the Gold Cup on Thursday
• The Americans enter as a heavy -1200 favorite after a Matchday 1 victory over Haiti
• Get the odds, preview, and prediction below

The CONCACAF Gold Cup proceeds on Thursday with a meeting between Martinique and the United States in Kansas City.

Martinique suffered a 4-1 defeat to Canada in their opening fixture of the competition, while the US just sneaked past Haiti thanks to a Sam Vines header early in the first half.

In two clashes between these two countries, the Americans have come out victorious on both occasions. However, their last encounter in 2017 was a 3-2 goal-filled thriller.

Martinique vs USA Odds

All odds as of July 14th at DraftKings

Tall Task Ahead for Martinique

Out of all the nations in the Gold Cup, Martinique is one who has barely played a lick of football across the last year and a half. Sunday’s loss to Canada was their first competitive game since November of 2019. Needless to say, it’s hard to expect a lot from Mario Bocaly’s men in a rather competitive Group D.

They were simply no match for the Canadians, holding just 34% possession while registering only two shots on target. Martinique’s lone goal came through Emmanuel Rivière, who plies his trade for Serie A (now Serie B) outfit Crotone. He capitalized on a sloppy Mark-Anthony Kay pass to give his side the lead. But, it didn’t last for long as Canada responded with three goals in the first half alone.

While Martinique hasn’t enjoyed much success in the Gold Cup, they’ve always been in the mix. Les Matinino has now appeared in four of the last five tournaments after qualifying via the 2019/20 Nations League, where Bocaly’s squad finished in second spot behind Trinidad and Tobago.

Part of the billboard for tomorrow 🗓️😎 #ThisIsOurs

Martinique will play the United States at Children's Mercy Park. @AngryOrchard presents the Unfiltered Match Preview. #GoldCup21 🏆 pic.twitter.com/JcLJVcAN57

— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) July 14, 2021

Their best finish in the Gold Cup came back in 2002, progressing all the way to the quarterfinals. While Martinique may not seem like much of a threat, they shouldn’t be taken lightly. This roster consists of five players who play in Spain, Italy, and France, including the always dangerous Rivière.

US Need to Perform Better

The three points were secured, but the States didn’t show very well against Haiti. After Vine’s 8th minute goal, Gregg Berhalter’s side was rather uninspiring in the final third. They lacked intensity and struggled to put away numerous clear-cut opportunities.

The squad definitely has a different look in the Gold Cup without any of their European standouts like Sergino Dest, Christian Pulisic, and Weston McKennie, among others. But, there is still more than enough MLS talent within the team to be competitive and hopefully come out as the winners in Group D.

Heading into Thursday’s clash, the States have won four of their last five matches after heroically beating Mexico in the Nations League final last month in Colorado. Spirits are high and their form has been solid, but Martinique cannot be taken lightly because they have put up a decent fight against the Americans in the past.

Thursday's opponents Martinique can play in the @GoldCup, but can't qualify for the @FIFAWorldCup. As we've learned from both our previous encounters, this adds another challenging layer to matches with 𝐿𝑒𝑠 𝑀𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑜.

Learn more in #5T2K, pres. by @BioSteelSports.

— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) July 14, 2021

Their opponents showed vulnerability at the back versus Canada though and the US must capitalize on this weakness. The chances will certainly be there, it’s just a matter of being clinical enough. A victory here will put them in a prime position to advance to the knockout stages ahead of their final group phase fixture against the Canadians on Sunday.

Martinique vs USA Key Stats

Martinique vs USA Prediction

I do expect the Americans to respond with a much better performance on Thursday. Martinique simply hasn’t played enough lately to actually pull off an upset here and they can be broken down at the back rather easily.

The moneyline offers next to no value. Therefore, I’m taking the over in goals because the US should have no problems bagging more than 2.5.

Pick: Over 2.5 Goals (+104)