Prediction: United States vs Jamaica

Prediction: United States win

Best Odds: 29/100

Bookmaker: 888sport

Domestic football has been put on pause for a few weeks in favour of the return of the international break – the second one of the new campaign. In the wake of the Euros and Copa America, as well as the Olympics, many would expect this to be a fairly inconsequential few weeks. Alas, the pandemic has ensured we have to speed up the process on the road to Qatar with the United States and Jamaica being two of the eight CONCACAF nations attempting to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

United States

The big “end goal” for this generation of American stars will surely be the 2026 World Cup in North America, but in order to get a good idea of where they’re at, they’ll want to put in a good “against the odds” showing in Qatar next year. They’ve got the players required to do it but they need to really find the tactical sweet spot for the variety of attacking stars they have at their disposal. If they don’t, they could easily be watching from home once again.

Jamaica

Jamaica managed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup back in 1998 and given the fact that their manager is Theodore Whitmore, the same man who scored the goals that got them all three points against Japan, you’d think they’ll be in a good position to succeed – but this is a really competitive collection of teams who are starting to come of age. Jamaica have a few more years yet before their latest crop of stars really hit their prime and for that reason, the expectations will be low for them this year.

Factors to Consider

• USMNT are 3rd in the qualifying table whereas Jamaica are 8th.
• USMNT have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Jamaica have won one, drawn two and lost three of their last six games.
• USMNT have scored 12 goals and conceded five in their last six games.
• Jamaica have scored six goals and conceded 12 in their last six games.

Conclusion

Jamaica are bound to put up a bit of a fight as they always tend to do against the Americans, and as they did back in March – but much like that result we do think the hosts are going to run away with this one in Austin. They’re just far stronger across the pitch and even though the margin of victory may not be overly convincing in the eyes of some, qualifying is all about getting some points on the board.

Prediction: United States win

Best Odds: 29/100

Bookmaker: 888sport