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Martinique vs United States: Not a question of if, but how many?

Only a comprehensive victory will do when the United States take on Martinique in their second game of the 2021 Gold Cup.

When: Saturday, July 16, 02:30am BST

How to watch: Premier Sports

Follow this game live via our score centre

Best bets

Over 4.5 goals at 19/10

Over one goal in the first half at 17/20

USA to win 5-0 at 7/1

Despite missing many of their key players, the US are expected to walk all over their opponents in Kansas City.

Greg Berhalter's men kicked off their CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign with a slender 1-0 win over Haiti last Sunday. Sam Vines scored the solitary goal as the United States bagged all three points.

This time round, the expectations are much higher as the US take on a side mainly made up of players who compete in Martinique's domestic competition.
The small Caribbean Island has a population of just 370,000 - around 10 times smaller than the US.
What's more, Martinique were rather clinically dealt with by the Canadians in their opener - losing 4-1 despite taking an early lead.

With that in mind, the over/under market looks the logical way to go in the betting. The over 3.5 goals bet is currently available at 17/20 but our tip is to go for over 4.5 goals at 19/10.

Last two matches

United States 3-2 Martinique (Gold Cup - July 13, 2017)
The previous meeting between the two nations took place during the 2017 edition of the Gold Cup.
Following a goalless first-half, the group stage encounter eventually sprang into life.
Omar Gonzalez and Jordan Morris gave the hosts a 2-0 lead but Martinique were far from beaten.
Instead, a ten-minute brace from Kevin Parsemain sensationally levelled the score.
A 76th minute winner from Morris helped the United States avoid what would have been international sporting embarrassment.
Martinique 0-2 United States (Gold Cup - July 13, 2003)
One other meeting of significance took place 18 years ago, also in the Gold Cup.
This was America's opening game in the 2003 edition of the tournament.
In the end, two goals were enough for the Untied States to seal the win and the three points.

Last two head-to-heads

Martinique wins: 0

Draws: 0

US wins: 2

Martinique goals: 2

US goals: 5

Where are America's stars?

The likes of Christian PulisicSergino Dest and Weston McKennie have not been included in America's Gold Cup roster.

Why is that?

Well, with European clubs returning to training ahead of the new season, the US manager believed that these players could do with a bit of a break considering they all heavily featured in the country's successful Nations League campaign.

But then again, their absence could be just what Gregg Berhalter needed. The manager is building his squad for the 2022 World Cup and many of the fringe players have not been given many opportunities to shine.

Martinique facing long odds

Martinique beating the United States would be up there with some of the biggest shocks in international soccer.
The US might be fielding a second-rate team but they should have enough fire-power to overcome a national side that mostly consists of players from the Martinique Division d'Honneur - no disrespect.
The small Caribbean Island enjoyed its biggest success in the Gold Cup 19 years ago when they reached the quarter-final.

Chances of that happening in this tournament depend on the outcome of this game. The odds are certainly not looking good. 

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