There are only three more dates left in CONCACAF World Cup matches and the pressure is on for the United States. After missing the World Cup in 2018, Christian Pulisic and company are ready to do whatever it takes to get to Qatar. In this piece, we have World Cup qualifiers picks for Team USA, which of course includes the monster showdown against Mexico. Who will come out on top?
With things being played south of the border in this one, Mexico is the favorite going up against the U.S. later this week when they go to battle. Mexico surely is going to have some revenge on its mind, as the red, white and blue has owned this rivalry a bit of late. There’s no question these two teams do not like one another and there’s going to be bragging rights on the line.
As things stand, the USA is in second place of the CONCACAF table with 21 points and a goal differential of nine. Mexico is in third place of the standings with 21 points, but with its differential of six. Because of that number, the USA holds the advantage over Mexico, but things could change in a massive way if Mexico were to win. Both teams are looking up to Canada, which is in first place with 21 points.
| WCQ odds |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA to win | +320 | +320 | +320 | +320 |
| Mexico to win | -105 | -105 | -105 | -105 |
| Jimenez to score | +120 | +120 | +120 | +120 |
| Pulisic to score | +420 | +420 | +420 | +420 |
Unfortunately for the U.S., the team is dealing with several injuries leading up to the contest. This includes the news that they’ll be without superstar Sergino Dest, who suffered an injury last week. Because of that, Dest may be sidelined for a little while. That will be a bit of a blow for the meeting with Mexico, but head coach Gregg Berhalter is optimistic others can step up.
According to the best rated online sportsbooks, Mexico holds -105 odds, while team USA has been placed at +320. However, there’s also +220 odds for the points to be shared with a draw. We think this will be one heck of a game, but in the end, we’re picking things to end in a 1-1 draw. Agree? Check out our betting sites, like Bovada, and get a wager in.
Heading into this showdown, fans will truly need to look for Raul Jimenez to find the back of the net against the U.S. For Jimenez, he’s starting to find his groove offensively and he wants to remind people out there why he’s one of the best goal scorers for El Tri. Despite battling injuries in the past, Jimenez is a full go right now and he’s looking sharp with the ball at his feet.
In order for Mexico to try and come away with a win, it’s going to be imperative for Jimenez to have a strong game. He’ll consistently be in the box trying to beat the USA goalie with a prime shot. The U.S. defense knows this, which is why they’ll try and contain Jimenez, which won’t be easy. Per the oddsmakers, Jimenez has +120 odds to score in this one. We think he will, which is why we’re taking those odds.
Meanwhile for the USA, all eyes are going to be on winger Christian Pulisic. Pulisic is no stranger to this rivalry, as he and Guillermo Ochoa recently trolled one another. Again, it’s quite clear that these two teams hate each other, which makes the game even more intriguing. Both teams are going to want to land early punches. This could be a high-scoring game.
For Pulisic, he has +420 odds to score in that matchup. Pulisic is known as Captain America, as he’s been playing better and better in the English Premier League with Chelsea FC. This includes some impressive showings in the Champions League, which has fans excited. Will Pulisic score against Mexico? Believe it or not, we’re not picking that to happen in this case.
Later in the week, the USA will have a must-win game against Panama. That game is set to be played in Orlando, making it a crucial home match for the team. Panama is in fourth place in the CONCACAF table, which means the team will need some luck to try and sneak into the World Cup. For the USA, those three points Panama could be the difference for them locking in a spot.
Berhalter knows the pressure will be on his team to win that match. Whenever you’re the home team in qualifiers, you’re going to be expected to take the three points. With that said, Panama is no stranger to upset wins and they’ll be ready to try and make that happen in Florida against the USA. The question is whether or not USA can rise to the occasion.
While the odds for this match haven’t been released yet, the expectation is that the U.S. will be monster favorites. From our chair, we think it’d be a total shocker if the USA didn’t come away with that win against Panama. We’ll see what happens against Mexico, with us picking a draw, but we aren’t going to hesitate in picking the USA to beat Panama over in Orlando.
