Backing the USMNT against Trinidad in their Gold Cup opener is a safe bet. Here’s why

David Butler II-Imagn Images

The two nations open their CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign on Sunday night, with the Americans having much more to prove

After a pair of lackluster performances from the U.S. men’s national team ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, it appears there’s no where for head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s men to go but up.

Losses in a pair of tune-up games against Turkey and Switzerland, find the U.S. eager to get back to winning ways against Trinidad and Tobago inside PayPal Park in San Jose on Sunday (6 p.m., FOX).

Behind a roster devoid of top American talent like Tim Weah, and Weston McKennie, both of whom are competing in the FIFA Club World Cup, running concurrently with the Gold Cup, and superstar Christian Pulisic, who has received criticism after choosing to rest following a long season in Italy’s Serie A with AC Milan, the U.S. chase what would be their eighth Gold Cup title with a mix of veterans in key positions and a few new faces, largely comprised from clubs scattered throughout Major League Soccer.

Trinidad is no slouch

While the U.S. has enjoyed the spoils of winning — and winning big — against T&T in matches here in the States, capturing 17 wins in 18 matches played against the tiny Caribbean nation in games played inside American venues.

However, it was T&T who holds the latest win in this meeting following a 2-1 win in the Concacaf Nations League tournament in Port of Spain, Trinidad’s capital city. Led by head coach Dwight Yorke, who is a legend for the nation after being instrumental with helping Manchester United capture the elusive treble (winning the English Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League) in 1999, he’s looking to replicate that success as coach of T&T and push the nation past the quarterfinal rounds for the first time since 2015.

Pros and cons

Despite limping into the tournament, this young U.S. team is talented with players like Jack McGlynn, who scored a magnificent goal against Turkey in the first of two tune-up games for the national team and has been on a tear with MLS’ Houston Dynamo. Also, Mauricio Pochettino is finding he has a real playmakers in Brenden Aaronson, Max Arfsten, and Diego Luna, who isn’t long for finding a possible team in his next move after being the spark of his club, MLS’ Real Salt Lake. However, plaguing this team has been goalkeeping, as incumbent No. 1 goalie Matt Turner has been less than stellar, with a rotating backline that has done him no favors.

Best bets

Fanduel is offering a four-leg same game parlay right now that is enticing. In addition to a USA moneyline, an over/under on goals at 0.5 and less than four goals for the entire match is very possible if T&T looks to make a statement early. It’s likely Trinidad will score at some point given Turner’s woes, assuming he gets the nod in goal. With a starting line of +496, it’s a fun one to consider. We also like the idea of Luna getting a goal for the U.S., and at +125, it pays for itself.

Fanduel is also offering bonus bets on any soccer wager until June 15. Just log into your account or create a sportsbook account on Fanduel.com and opt into the promotion. Wagers must have final odds of -200 or longer to qualify. Speaking of that four-leg same game parlay? Odds of +150 and +400 would qualify. Regardless of if your bet wins or loses, you will get a bonus upon placing your bet. Here’s how it works.

Another promotion to consider? How about doubling up your profit to use on any wager for this game? Here’s the details.

Prediction

Take the U.S. to exact revenge from the last time out and win 2-1, which is +330 as a correct score combination on Fanduel. Then, it’s on to Saudi Arabia waiting as the next opponent in Group D on Thursday (9:15 p.m. ET, FS1), followed by Haiti on Sunday (7 p.m. ET, FOX).