CONCACAF Gold Cup: USA vs. Saudi Arabia Picks — Pochettino’s Side to Dominate Group D Rivals? (Jun 19)

A busy summer of CONCACAF Gold Cup action continues for the USA on Thursday evening, as they take on Saudi Arabia at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.

Both nations will be expected to ensure progression through to the next round of the competition, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side have huge question marks hanging over their prospects after suffering defeats in each of their final two warm up games.

But, victories in their first two fixtures in Group D would highlight that they are back on the right path.

USA vs. Saudi Arabia Overview

Odds

USA vs. Saudi Arabia Head-to-Head Record

Fans will be hoping for a more memorable occasion when the USA and Saudi Arabia collide for just the second time in recent memory on Thursday.

The only previous clash between the nations came back in September 2022, with the sides playing out an uneventful 0-0 draw.

Key Stats

• The USA haven’t suffered a group stage elimination at the CONCACAF Gold Cup since 1985.
• Saudi Arabia will be playing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time this summer.

USA Team News

Pochettino will be without influential team captain Christian Pulisic. Damion Downs could be preferred to lead the line, while Chris Richards is pushing for a recall.

Possible Lineup

M. Turner (GK); J. Tolkin, T. Ream, C. Richards, M. Arfsten, J. Cardoso, S. Berhalter, Q. Sullivan, D. Luna, B. Aaronson, D. Downs

Saudi Arabia Team News

Saudi Arabia have named an experienced squad for this summer’s Gold Cup. Nawaf Al-Aqidi is likely to be preferred in goal, while Nawaf Boushal could be handed a start in defense.

Possible Lineup

N. Al-Aqidi (GK); M. Al-Shanqueeti, N. Boushal, H. Kadesh, A. Alamri, M. Kanno, Z. Aljohani, M. Aljuwayr, A. Al Odod, F. al-Buraikan, S. Al-Dawsari

USA vs. Saudi Arabia Picks

Confidence within the U.S. camp would have been low after their pre-tournament friendlies, but they looked back on track in their opening Gold Cup encounter over the weekend.

Saudi Arabia look good value to join the USA in the next round of the competition, but they don’t appear to have the quality in the forward areas to get the better of Pochettino’s side in Texas on Thursday.