Concacaf Gold Cup: outright betting preview, tips & TV details

FreeSports 12.30am Saturday night

Mexico were the only Concacaf team to get past the group stage at the 2018 World Cup and they can dominate their regional rivals at the Gold Cup, starting with Saturday night's clash against Cuba at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena.

Sixteen teams are taking part in the competition which features two matches on the opening night, starting with Canada's clash with Martinique, also at the Rose Bowl.

The 14 previous Gold Cups have been dominated by Mexico and USA, who have lifted the trophy seven and six times respectively.

Bookmakers do not expect much to change with Mexico the 11-8 favourites and USA, one of the three co-hosts alongside Costa Rica and Jamaica,only slightly bigger at 6-4.

Mexico's attitude to the competition has varied in recent years.

They took largely reserve squads to the 2013 and 2017 Gold Cups and finished third both times. But they called up their big guns for the 2011 and 2015 events and lifted the trophy on each occasion.

It seems they mean business again this summer because head coach Gerardo Martino has selected an experienced squad headlined by Betis midfielder Andres Guardado and Wolves striker Raul Jimenez.

Talented PSV attacker Hirving Lozano has withdrawn with an injury but they still look strong enough to brush aside all opposition.

USA are expected to provide the main challenge and have the advantage of playing every match at home.

But they finished fifth of sixth in their World Cup qualifying group and have struggled in their warm-up games, losing 1-0 at home to Jamaica and 3-0 at home to Venezuela.

A bigger challenge to Mexico could come from Canada.

The emergence of 19-year-old Gent striker Jonathan David, scorer of four goals in four internationals, has seriously pepped up the Canadian attack and they should have a decent tournament, starting with a comfortable victory over Martinique.

Recommendations
Mexico to win the tournament
5pts 11-8 bet365, Betway, BoyleSports
Canada-Canada double result
2pts 5-4BoyleSports

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport