Northern Ireland v USA predictions: Baraclough's boys face tough friendly test

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for the international friendly between Northern Ireland and USA on Sunday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football, 5.05pm Sunday

Best bet

Sergino Dest first goalscorer
1pt each-way 60-1 Betfair, Paddy Power

Team news

Northern Ireland
Jamal Lewis should be fit after missing the defeat to Italy. Dion Charles and Liam Hughes are hoping for debuts but Steven Davis may be rested.

USA
Nicholas Gioacchini has joined the squad but Tyler Adams, Timothy Weah, Reggie Cannon and John Brooks are unavailable.

Match preview

Nine games into his job as Northern Ireland manager, Ian Baraclough is still waiting for his first victory in 90 minutes and it is unlikely to come against a talented young USA side.

Baraclough's men beat Bosnia on penalties in October's Euro 2020 playoff semi-final but they lost to Slovakia in the final and were outclassed by Italy in Thursday's opening World Cup qualifier.

The Azzurri won 2-0, with both goals coming in the first half, and Northern Ireland struggled to lay a glove on Roberto Mancini's group favourites.

Rangers veteran Steven Davis won his 125th cap in Parma but he is expected to be rested against the USA as Baraclough offers opportunities to younger players.

The Northern Ireland boss may feel a twinge of envy when he sees the talent available to opposite number Gregg Berhalter.

The 'golden generation' tag has weighed heavily on plenty of international teams but the US undoubtedly have an exciting crop of youngsters coming through.

Chelsea's Christian Pulisic is already a senior player at 22 while Gio Reyna and Josh Sargent are Bundesliga regulars and 18-year-old Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah impressed in Thursday's 4-1 friendly win over Jamaica – the USA's seventh victory in their last eight internationals.

Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest scored a cracking first international goal in that game and he will be encouraged to get forward at every opportunity.

The 20-year-old scored twice in Barca's 6-1 win at Real Sociedad just before the international break and is worth an each-way bet at a huge price to break the deadlock.

Key stat

The USA have won seven of their last eight internationals, scoring 32 goals.

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport