Mauricio Pochettino has had an immediate impact as the USA men’s head coach, and a signal of intent could be made in the CONCACAF Nations League before the World Cup in 2026.
The USA are the defending champions, and enter the 2024-25 edition in the quarterfinal stage on Thursday. A two-legged clash with Jamaica takes place either side of the weekend, with the U.S. playing on the road this week.
A return to winning ways will be expected by Pochettino, as the USA were beaten 2-0 by Mexico in their latest international. Meanwhile, Jamaica have avoided defeat in their last four internationals.
Odds
The USA will be an odds-on chance to return to winning ways under Pochettino on Thursday. A home win for Jamaica is unfancied based on the odds of +300 available.
[Latest Odds taken from Bet365. Correct as of 10:19 am on 11/11/2024]
| Match Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jamaica | +300 |
| Draw | +240 |
| USA | -112 |
Honors Even in Last Two Encounters
| Total | Jamaica | USA | Draws | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 19 | 3 | 12 | 4 |
| CONCACAF Nations League Games | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Goals | 47 | 15 | 32 |
There has been little to separate the sides in the last two meetings, with 1-1 draws played out in 2023 and 2021.
However, those results mean that the USA are now unbeaten in their last six internationals against Jamaica since a 1-0 loss in June 2019.
Interestingly, both teams have scored in four of the last six.
🚨⚽ TIP: Both Teams to Score @ +100
Jamaica Team News
Steve McLaren has named a strong squad for the showdown against the USA this week. Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey has been recalled by the former Man United assistant manager.
Isaac Hayden is also in line to make his international debut for Jamaica after switching his national allegiance to the Reggae Boyz.
Possible Lineup
Andre Blake (GK); Dexter Lembikisa, Ethan Pinnock, Mason Holgate, Greg Leigh, Kasey Palmer, Isaac Hayden, Leon Bailey, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Demarai Gray, Michail Antonio
USA Team News
Timothy Weah is back in contention for the USA, but he will miss the first leg against Jamaica due to suspension.
Experienced defenders Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson are in line for starts. Christian Pulisic will captain America, with Weston McKennie and Malik Tillman both expected to start.
Possible Lineup
Matt Turner (GK); Joe Scally, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman, Antonee Robinson, Christian Pulisic, Brenden Aaronson, Ricardo Pepi
Jamaica vs. USA Prediction
Pochettino’s USA are back to full strength after making changes for the defeat against Mexico last month.
The depth in the middle of the park is astounding, with emerging stars such as Tillman and Musah likely to play a key role for the USMNT in years to come.
A tight match is likely in Jamaica, but the narrow preference is for the visitors.
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