Verdict: Over 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: bet365
The 2018 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists Brazil take on the United States national team in a high-profile international friendly at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. O Selecao are looking to bounce back from a disappointing summer whereas the US side will face a stern test to their ambitions in a first competitive game since June.
USA
The USMNT endured a difficult season which saw them miss out on the World Cup finals for the first time since 1986. Having lost to Trinidad and Tobago in their final World Cup qualifier, the US national team saw head coach Bruce Arena resign and Dave Sarachan taking charge of the team looking to turn a new page.
The United States national team last played eventual World Cup champions, France, in June and a 1-1 draw came as quite a morale boost for a young US side. Dave Sarachan is hoping to continue the progress and build up on the foundation he’s laid. The USMNT are in for another high-powered clash against one of the strongest sides in world football at the moment. The US Kickoff Series will also include matches against Mexico and Colombia, before the team flies to Europe for clashes against England and Italy in November. Dave Sarachan was wise to inject youth into his squad and will be expected to field the likes of Tim Weah (18), Tyler Adams (19) and Cameron Carter-Vickers (20).
Team News
Josh Sargent is among youngsters hoping to get another chance in the first team after scoring in his first ever USA cap earlier this year.
Borussia Dortmund star Christian Pulisic is injured whereas the experienced striker Clint Dempsey has just announced his retirement earlier in August.
Brazil
Five-time World Cup champions and a side ranked No.3 in the latest FIFA rankings, Brazil are coming off from a disappointing summer and will be keen to kick-start the new campaign in New Jersey. The forthcoming clash is expected to be a blowout for Tite’s men who endured a disappointing 2-1 eliminating defeat at the hands of Belgium in 2018 World Cup quarter-finals.
Tite’s squad is bursting with exciting talent and some of the biggest names in world football, such as Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, to name a few. The PSG star forward Neymar will have a big point to prove after a summer which saw him get slated for excessive theatrics and more hairstyles than goals in Russia. The abundance of attacking options Brazil have at their disposal is likely to be too much for USA youthful side to handle and we do expect this fixture to go one way – in Brazil’s favour.
Team News
Brazil head coach Tite has called up a mixed squad with no less than 11 players seeking their first cap. Most prominent of those are Everton summer signing Richarlison, Porto defenders Eder Militao and Ferlipe, as well as the Barcelona midfielder Arthur.
Key Factors to Consider
- USA missed out on their first World Cup since 1986 earlier this summer
- Brazil have yet to lose any of their last 16 matches away from home
- USA lost only one of their last 15 matches as hosts
- The USMNT kept a clean sheet in all of their last four fixtures at home
- There were under 2.5 goals scored in all of Brazil’s last five matches
Conclusion
Brazil are expected to lash out following their frustrating World Cup campaign and it’s fair to say the US national side are in for a beating in New Jersey. Despite the low margins in their last five matches – all at World Cup – O Selecao are expected to take full advantage of their impressive attacking potential and goals are our choice for this clash.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: bet365
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