class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Despite their slow start to the Gold Cup, Al Hain-Cole is backing the Stars and Stripes to ease to victory over Bocaly's out-of-practice team<\/p>\n
<\/head><\/p>\nUSA will be hoping to extend their winning start to the Gold Cup when they take on Martinique at Children\u2019s Mercy Park on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Gregg Berhalter\u2019s men failed to convince in their opening Group B game against Haiti, running out narrow 1-0 winners in a largely frustrating display.<\/p>\n
Martinique vs USA latest odds<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, USMNT are overwhelming 1\/16 (1.06) favourites with bet365 to make it six points from six by coming out on top in Kansas.<\/p>\n
Martinique were beaten 4-1 by Canada in their opener but can be backed at 25\/1 (26.00) to pull off a huge upset with a win or 8\/1 (9.00) to grind out an impressive draw.<\/p>\n
Martinique vs USA team news<\/p>\n
Paul Arriola will be assessed after being forced off with a hamstring injury against Haiti, while Reggie Cannon is also doubtful with a hamstring issue that caused him to miss that clash altogether.<\/p>\n
The guests are likely to stick with the same line-up that took on Canada, with former France Under-21 striker Emmanuel Riviere leading the line in attack.<\/p>\n
Martinique vs USA preview<\/p>\n
Having fielded a rather inexperienced XI after allowing their star players a summer break following last month\u2019s CONCACAF Nations League victory, it is perhaps unsurprising that the Stars and Stripes struggled for fluidity in their opener.<\/p>\n
However, their teething problems are relatively minor in comparison to Mario Bocaly\u2019s team, which doesn\u2019t take part in FIFA-organised competitions and therefore hadn\u2019t played a game in almost two years prior to the Canada defeat.<\/p>\n
It is therefore understandable that the French overseas territory conceded four goals and made numerous sloppy errors in that game, failing to take advantage of Riviere\u2019s early opener.<\/p>\n