Panama vs USA Prediction: Hosts should add another smooth win
Hosts USA made the perfect start to their Copa America journey with a win over Bolivia and they'll fancy the job of overturning Panama in Atlanta as they look to move closer to the quarter-finals.
Panama, for their part, were gutsy and determined for long spells in a 3-1 opening loss against Uruguay and it could be more of the same for them now. Read on for my Panama vs USA predictions, including team news and match odds for Thursday's 23:00 BST kick-off.
Panama vs USA Betting Tips
Team news
The States delighted 47,000 fans in Texas with their opening win and it was a strong showing, which should ensure Berhalter keeps changes to a premium. Folarin Balogun won the battle to lead the line after sharing game-time with Ricardo Pepi in the warm-ups and he duly scored the second goal.
Yunus Musah replaced Tyler Adams at half-time against Bolivia and may be hoping for a start now.
Losing Anibal Godoy pre-tournament was a massive blow for the Panamanians, but they haven't reported any setbacks since the loss to Uruguay. Marseille defender Michael Amir Murillo netted against La Celeste late on, an impressive eighth international goal for the 28-year-old.
The USA are favourites at 1/3 for this clash in Georgia, with Panama priced up at 15/2 to cause a major upset with victory and the draw trading at 100/30.
USMNT skipper Pulisic scored first against Bolivia and can be backed at 4/1 to repeat the trick now.
USA/USA Half-Time/Full-Time @ 1/1
The USA really impressed against Bolivia in how they went about their business from the off. They scored in three minutes and had already spurned a decent chance before that. It was 2-0 at half-time with the points all but secured.
They had eight first-half goal attempts and dominated possession and there was real intent in their play. They should adopt a similar approach here and can get the heavy lifting done before the interval again.
Folarin Balogun to score anytime @ 11/8
After signing for Monaco last summer in a £34m move, Balogun is widely regarded as the USA's frontman for years to come but the 22-year-old had gone six games without a goal in the national side and was coming under pressure from PSV Eindhoven's Pepi.
Balogun slotted home against Bolivia and his overall movement and running was good. With that goal behind him, expect him to thrive now and he should get opportunities to add to his tally against the Panamanians.
#PickYourPunt – Total Goals Over 1.5, Christian Pulisic 2+ Shots On Target, USA Over 7.5 corners @ 5/1
Finally, a #PickYourPunt to round things off. With the USA's energy levels impressing, they are likely to dominate. Skipper Christian Pulisic scored against Bolivia, assisted the other and had four shots at goal. More of the same here and can get at least two on target.
The USA had seven corners against Bolivia, while Uruguay forced nine against Panama. Over 7.5 looks a fair mark here for the host nation and Over 1.5 total goals in a game USA should win comfortably completes the bet..
You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.
Share Article
