Panama vs United States: Prediction, Tips and Odds

United States began their quest for Copa America glory with a 2-0 victory over Bolivia and they go into their second Group C fixture knowing a victory could see them secure a place in the next round with a game to spare.

Opponents Panama went down 3-1 to Uruguay and could be eliminated if those lose to the host nation at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.  

Panama v United States betting tips and predictions

USA to win and both teams to score no - 1/1

Panama claimed a famous win over the Stars and Stripes just under 12 months ago via a penalty shoot-out in the semi-finals of the Gold Cup, going on to lose to Mexico in the final, but a repeat upset looks unlikely here.

The United States have home advantage and a different manager in charge, with Gregg Berhalter the man in the hot seat, and they enter this game as worthy favourites.

A USA victory is priced at 2/5 but the value play here looks to be backing a victory for Berhalter’s troops without conceding.

The USMNT shut down Bolivia in their opening game and have now managed back-to-back clean sheets in competitive games, having beaten Mexico 2-0 in the Nations League earlier this year. The Americans’ last eight competitive wins inside normal time have all been accompanied by clean sheets and they should be able to keep Panama at bay here.

Los Canaleros did grab a late consolation against Uruguay but that goal came at the death when the South Americans were 3-0 up and had the game wrapped up, and the USA should keep their focus until the final whistle as they look to continue to impress in front of their home fans.

Panama may have stunned their opponents in the Gold Cup last year, but that game was goalless after 90 minutes and they only managed two shots on target across normal time in that fixture. 

Christian Pulisic to score anytime - 6/4

Captain Christian Pulisic underlined his credentials as the star name in the USA team with a goal and an assist against Bolivia and he can help fire his side to victory again on Thursday.

The AC Milan forward has an impressive 30 goals in 69 appearances for his country, putting him in joint fifth place on their all-time scorers list, and should be able to build on an exceptional display against Bolivia with another goal here.

Pulisic has now scored in back-to-back international games after hitting the equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Brazil in the USMNT’s final warm-up game, and he came into the Copa America on the back of a strong season with the Rossoneri as he managed 12 goals in 36 Serie A appearances. 

Michael Murillo over 0.5 shots on target - 7/2 

If Panama are to test the USA they need their big players to step up and Michael Murillo is the most talented individual within their squad.

Murillo plays his club football in France’s Ligue 1 with heavyweights Marseille and firmly established himself as a regular towards the end of last season after making a return from injury.

The 28-year-old scored three times in 16 league games for L’OM last season and averaged a solid 0.4 attempts per-game. Against Uruguay, Murillo had two attempts - scoring their consolation effort - and he should be the player within the Los Canaleros team who is looking to force the issue a bit on Thursday so the 7/2 on offer for the former Anderlecht man to at least test the keeper looks great value. 

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Panama vs United States odds

Panama - 7/1
Draw - 15/4
United States - 2/5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.

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