USA v Wales predictions: Positive Americans can claim a vital victory

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for USA v Wales in World Cup Group B on Monday.

Where to watch

ITV, 7pm Monday

Best bet

USA
1pt 6-4 general

It has been a long wait for Wales to reach the World Cup finals but they may be in for a disappointment against a well-disciplined American side who could control the midfield. Gareth Bale might not be able to save the Dragons this time.

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Match preview

It has been a long wait for Wales to taste action in the World Cup finals but, despite the fever-pitch excitement at their first successful qualification in 64 years, there is a decent chance their opening match could prove a huge letdown.

They had to do it the hard way as playoff victories over Austria and Ukraine booked their invitation to the party, but a win in what looks set to be a crucial clash against the USA may be beyond them.

There are plenty of doubts, not least at the back where shutouts have proved hard to come by, and that has contributed to the failure of Robert Page's side to win any of their last five internationals.

There will be a sense of disappointment that midfielder Joe Allen has not recovered in time from the hamstring injury that has kept him out since September and while plenty of faith will once again be placed in Gareth Bale - the scorer of all three of their playoff goals - the question remains how much longer the 33-year-old can deliver the goods.

The counter-attack will be Wales's primary offensive tactic but they are likely to be put under plenty of pressure by a youthful US side who will be looking to make up for lost time after failing to qualify for Russia four years ago, the first time they had missed out since 1986.

Admittedly, their form has not been too inspiring. They are a big fish in the Concacaf pond but left it late to book their spot and a 2-0 defeat to Japan and a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia in recent friendlies will not have heightened expectations.

Their tally of 21 goals in 14 qualifiers also suggests that this clash will not feature a glut of goals

But that doesn't mean they cannot get off to a winning start. Chelsea's Christian Pulisic is their Bale-esque talisman but they are strong in the middle of the pitch where Juventus's Weston McKennie and Valencia's Yunus Musah feature prominently.

The squad does not have a whole lot of experience at this level, but that could encourage them to adopt a positive approach that could reap rewards, especially if striker Jesus Ferreira can replicate his form for Dallas, for whom he scored 18 goals in the MLS this season.

There is a danger Wales will put too many eggs in one basket and the Americans can take advantage of that and take three priceless points.

Key stat

Wales have kept one clean sheet in their last 11 matches.

Team news

USA
Hopes are high that midfielder Weston McKennie can recover from a thigh injury and possible replacement Luca de la Torre has a hamstring problem.

Wales
Gareth Bale looks set to start but midfielder Joe Allen has lost his race to recover from the hamstring injury that has kept him out of action since September.

Probable teams

USA (4-3-3) Turner; Dest, Ream, Zimmerman, Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Musah; Weah, Ferreira, Pulisic.

Wales (3-4-3) Hennessey; Ampadu, Rodon, B Davies; Roberts, Morrell, Ramsey, N Williams; Bale, Moore, James

Inside info

USA

Top scorer in probable team Christian Pulisic
Star player Christian Pulisic
Penalty taker Christian Pulisic
Assist ace Weston McKennie
Set-piece aerial threat Walker Zimmerman
Card magnet Timothy Weah

Wales

Top scorer in probable team Gareth Bale
Star player Gareth Bale
Penalty taker Gareth Bale
Assist ace Aaron Ramsey
Set-piece aerial threat Kieffer Moore
Card magnet Kieffer Moore

USA v Wales Bet Builder

USA to win The Americans' strength in the heart of midfield could be telling against a team putting so much faith in Gareth Bale
Under 2.5 goals Much will be riding on this opener and the USA scored 21 goals in their 14 qualifying matches
Under 3.5 cards The USA received just 15 cautions in qualifying so the referee may not be that busy.

Price guide 13-2