A clash of future World Cup hosts takes place at the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Thursday night when the United States face Saudi Arabia in Group D.
Both nations won their opening matches with Mauricio Pochettino’s men overpowering Trinidad and Tobago easily to win 5-0 while the Arabian Falcons, making their Gold Cup debut as guests, edged Haiti 1-0 thanks to a penalty.
After a statement victory over the Soca Warriors, the United States will be expected to collect another three points to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Pochettino was without several key players for the opening game and one or two of those may be available to return at Q2 Stadium.
Saudi Arabia, under new management after a turbulent year, have found defensive solidity but still struggle to create chances in open play.
Both coaches know a win in Austin all but guarantees a place in the quarter-finals and would allow them to rest key players for the final group game.
Saudi Arabia vs United States Tips Summary
Market | Tip | Odds |
Match Result | United States | |
Best Bet | United States to win & Over 2.5 Goals | |
Bet Builder | United States to win, Exactly 3 Goals & Patrick Agyemang to score |
Key Match Stats
- Saudi Arabia have kept five clean sheets in their last six matches, but have scored just four goals in that run
- The USA have scored in all but two of their last nine matches in all competitions, winning five
- Four of the seven previous meetings between these teams have produced under 2.5 goals, but both sides have shown more attacking intent in this tournament
- Saudi Arabia committed 36 fouls and picked up a high yellow card count in their last five games
- The last meeting between these teams ended 0-0 in a 2022 friendly
Saudi Arabia vs United States Prediction
Best Bet: USA to win & Over 2.5 Goals @ 6/4
The USMNT’s firepower was on full display in their opener, with Malik Tillman, Brenden Aaronson, Patrick Agyemang and Haji Wright all on the scoresheet.
Expect coach Mauricio Pochettino to stick with a similar attacking lineup, aiming to exploit Saudi Arabia’s physical but sometimes reckless defending.
While the Arabian Falcons can frustrate with their organisation, their lack of cutting edge up front could be costly against a USA side that pressed high and created an abundance of chances against the Soca Warriors.
Saudi Arabia may look to slow the tempo and hit on the break, but the USA’s superior squad depth and home advantage should see them through. With both teams eager to secure qualification, a more open game is likely, and over 2.5 goals looks a solid play.
Simon Barlow says:
The USA were ruthless in their opener and should have too much for a Saudi side still finding its feet under new management. Expect the hosts to dominate possession and create the better chances, but Saudi Arabia’s threat from set pieces means they can play a part in landing the goals part of the bet.
Saudi Arabia vs United States Bet Builder Tip
- USA to win
- Exactly 3 Goals scored
- Patrick Agyemang to Score
Pays: 17/2
The United States’ ability to vary their play with long balls to the pacy Agyemang or passing short through their technical midfield men is likely to pay dividends once more.
Pochettino likes the mobility and physicality that the Charlotte FC forward brings to his team and Agyemang has repaid his faith so far with four goals in seven internationals.
Backing him to score in a United States win looks a good option for this clash against opponents ranked outside the world’s top 50.
The Stars and Stripes have beaten similarly-ranked sides like Costa Rica and Venezuela 3-0 and 3-1 this year, but the Arabian Falcons have not shipped more than three goals in a game since the 2018 World Cup.
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Saudi Arabia’s defence should keep them in touch for most of this game, but the United States have the quality to prevail in a 2-1 win — the same result as the Arabian Falcons’ last two defeats,
Simon Barlow adds.
Read more football betting tips and predictions on site.
Tactics, Form and Team News
Saudi Arabia’s lineup should again feature Saleh Al-Shehri leading the line, with Marwan Al-Sahafi and Hammam Al-Hammami providing support.
Expect a compact 4-2-3-1, with a disciplined midfield and a focus on set pieces.
Expected Saudi Arabia lineup (4-2-3-1): Al-Aqidi; Abdulhamid, Al-Amri, Madu, Boushal; Al-Ghamdi, Al-Hassan; Al-Hammami, Al-Sahalfi, Al-Johani; Al-Shehri.
Pochettino is hoping to have Tyler Adams back from a foot injury for this one and, if the Bournemouth midfielder makes it, he will probably replace Sebastian Berhalter in an otherwise unchanged team.
Malik Tillman and Diego Luna look likely to be tasked with supplying the ammunition for Patrick Agyemang up front.
Expected United States lineup (4-2-3-1): Freese; Arfsten, Richards, Ream, Freeman; Adams, De la Torre; Tillman, McGlynn, Luna; Agyemang.
View the full market and more odds for Saudi Arabia vs United States on site.
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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