Best Odds: 8/15
Bookmaker:
Meeting for a friendly showdown late on Saturday night, the USA will welcome Colombia to Maryland.
Starting with the hosts, crowned Nations League champions back on March 25th as they secured a 2-0 victory against Mexico, the USA will be relishing a return to the international stage this weekend. However, crashing out of the World Cup Round of 16 stage out in Qatar 18 months ago as they fell to a 3-1 loss at the hands of Holland, Gregg Berhalter’s men have been seeking some recent stability. Winning just a pair of their previous six appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes, the former Columbus Crew boss appears to have a real job on his hands during this month’s international break. In fact, the USA have failed to win any of their previous seven meetings against Colombia a run that stems all the way back to a 1-0 victory back in March 2005.
Team News
While Berhalter might have announced a 26-man squad last month, many were shocked as both Walker Zimmerman and forward Brandon Vazquez were both omitted. Likewise, dealing with an extended muscle injury and appearing to be on his way out of Barcelona on a permanent deal this summer, Sergino Dest will not feature on Saturday night.
Notching seven Ligue 1 strikes with Monaco last season, former Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun will earn an 11th international cap in Maryland and should spearhead Berhalter’s attack from the start.
Colombia
As for the visitors, while Colombia might have eventually missed out on the chance to book their ticket for the 2022 World Cup, La Tricolor have come roaring back in some style. Last seen during March’s international break picking up an action-packed 3-2 victory against Romania, Nestor Lorenzo’s men should find the mood in their camp at a real high. In fact, making a major statement on March 22nd as they secured a famous 1-0 win against European giants Spain, Saturday’s guests have won all of their previous five straight appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 11-5. Likewise, unbeaten in all of their first six World Cup qualifying matchups last year and not suffering a single defeat since way back in February 2022, Colombia should be excited by a trip to Maryland here.
Team News
In what was the biggest announcement to come out of Colombia’s squad last month, ex-Real Madrid superstar James Rodriguez has returned to La Tricolor’s squad. However, attacking icon and record-breaker Radamel Falcao has been omitted and will not feature in Maryland this weekend.
There are six representatives from English clubs included, with Watford’s Yaser Asprilla joining Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, Aston Villa’s Jhron Duran, Bournemouth’s Luis Sinisterra and Crystal Palace duo Jefferson Lerma and Daniel Munoz.
Key Factors to Consider
