USA and Australia clash at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in a friendly match that could help us understand how both of these nations may compete at the World Cup
The match, scheduled for a 02:00am kick off, will be just the second ever meeting between the two nations and represents a chance for two nations with World Cup aspirations to square off against each other.
Best bets and predictions
This is an interesting match up between two nations with growing domestic leagues who will be keen to impress at next summer’s World Cup. The match appears to be wide open and we can see both teams getting on the scoresheet, with some interest in Haji Wright finding the net.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both teams to score | 4/5 @ Bet365 (55.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | The only previous meeting between these two sides ended 3-1 to USA, whilst both teams have scored in three of USA’s last five matches. Goals have been flowing for both nations; USA have scored six in their last five whilst Australia have found the net eight times in the same period. With no dominant side coming into the match, we can see both teams finding the net in an open match. |
| Haji Wright first scorer | 11/2 @ Betway (15.4%) | ⭐⭐ | Wright has been in amazing form for Coventry so far this season, leading the Championship goalscoring charts with eight goals in nine games. It’s been a great campaign for Wright and he’s established himself as one of the leading strikers in England’s second tier. He could be given the chance to lead the line for USA in this clash and we’re backing him to open the scoring for his side. |
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How both teams head into USA vs Australia
Inconsistency has blighted the USMNT in recent games, with just one win in their last four and losses coming against Mexico and South Korea. They were able to bounce back with victory over Japan and followed that win up with a draw against Ecuador. Their Gold Cup campaign was a good one but ultimately ended in disappointment with a loss against Mexico in the final but there are encouraging signs for the USA ahead of hosting the World Cup next summer.
Australia come into this games in great form, not tasting defeat in their last 12 games and winning seven in a row. They’ve only conceded three goals in that run of seven games too, with wins over Japan, Saudi Arabia and Canada showing signs that Australia might be a force to be reckoned with in North America, both in this game and at next summer’s World Cup. The Socceroos have scored 15 goals in their last seven games, averaging over two goals a game in that period.
World Cup qualifying standings
With USA being one of the hosts of next summers World Cup, they haven’t had to face a qualifying campaign instead playing in the Gold Cup and playing friendlies in the build up.
| Team (AFC Group C) | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2 | 10 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 16 | 7 | +9 | 19 |
USA team news
Christian Pulisic is dealing with an ankle problem and he’s unlikely to start this game but could feature off the bench. Folarin Balogun is likely to start in attack again but Haji Wright could be deployed off the left hand side as his reward for fine domestic form.
Australia team news
Nestroy Irankunda is Australia’s main man in attack and has been in great form for Watford this season. Tony Popovic’s main selection headache is in goal, where usual number one Matt Ryan will be expecting to come back into the starting line up. It might not be that simple though, with Paul Izzo impressing against Canada last week.
Head to head: Last meeting
These two nations have only squared off once before, in a friendly match in 2010. USA came out on top by a 3-1 scoreline but, obviously, the squads are completely different to 15 years ago and this encounter is one with real intrigue surrounding it as a result.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 05/06/10 | USA 3-1 Australia | Friendly |
Conclusion
This match really is one that makes the outcome really hard to predict. Both teams are in decent form, both have already secured their passage to the World Cup and there isn’t much to go on in head to head encounters. One thing we are confident to predict though is both teams to score at 4/5 with Bet365.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.