USA vs Colombia Predictions

Friday’s international friendly action sees USA and Colombia doing battle at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The visitors arrive as big favourites to secure victory and should be able to do so relatively comfortably against a US outfit still very much considered a work in progress.

Still in the midst of recovering from the disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1986, the US will be looking to build on a solid 1-0 win over Mexico last time out. Since failure to qualify was confirmed, boss Dave Sarachan has been calling up very youthful squads for friendly action and whilst that still remains the case, the experienced duo of Brad Guzan and Michael Bradley return for this clash.

Nonetheless, in more disappointing news, star man Christian Pulisic misses out through injury and there’s no doubting the side face a tall order to stand up to their Colombian counterparts. With their win over Mexico their first win in 4 matches, the hosts haven’t exactly been the most impressive in recent matches but will be looking to put in a competitive performance on Friday at the very least.

Meanwhile, Colombia certainly haven’t dwelled on their heartbreaking last 16 penalty exit to England in the World Cup and the departure of iconic boss Jose Pekerman, seeing off Venezuela and drawing with Argentina in the last international break under the watch of caretaker manager Arturo Reyes.

Building momentum ahead of next year’s Copa America is now the aim for Los Cafeteros and that’s something certainly reflected in the squad they’ve called up, with all of their big hitters included and looking to build on the impressive displays they produced last month.

Ultimately, Colombia’s squad looks a far stronger one than the US’ and it’d be a huge surprise if the hosts managed to avoid defeat. The US were outclassed in a 2-0 defeat by Brazil in the last international break and whilst Colombia may not be at quite that level, they’re not that far off and should have too much quality for their opponents.

At current odds, backing the Colombians to run out victorious looks a smart way to play and is exactly where our money is going. The South Americans won both meetings between the two in the 2016 Copa America, as well as a 2014 friendly against the US and they should be able to continue said streak with a comfortable 2-0 win.