Expect Gold Cup match to be close

The U.S. Men’s National Team just defeated Mexico and Canada to win the CONCACAF Nations League and will now set its sights on capturing a second straight Gold Cup.

The USMNT will begin pool play as a -140 favorite over Jamaica on Saturday night at Chicago’s Soldier Field. 

But bettors should beware that the team that defeated Mexico and Canada by an aggregate scoreline of 5-0 will not be the same squad that competes for the Gold Cup.

Only five players are pulling double-duty between the Nations League and Gold Cup.

USMNT vs. Jamaica prediction

It’s clear that U.S. Soccer is using this tournament as a chance to see some of its second-tier players in action for the national program. 

Bookmakers in the United States are always going to put a little bit of a premium on the USMNT in a match like this, but it’s still a little surprising to see the Americans listed as -140 favorites on the three-way moneyline.

Without Folarin Balogun, Gio Reyna, Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah and Brandon Aaronson, it’s hard to see this team creating enough scoring chances to get the separation needed to justify these odds.

Get the lowdown on the Best USA Sports Betting Sites and Apps

On the other hand, the USMNT shouldn’t have any issues slowing down Jamaica.

The game should be a slog and that puts value on the draw.

Our pick

Draw (+260, Caesars Sportsbook)