USA vs. Wales Picks, Predictions, Odds

Daniel Jenkins Sports Betting Expert

3 minute read

There’s a showdown in Group B to conclude the first full day of action at the 2022 World Cup. The USA take on Wales for a fixture that will have a big say on who makes the knockout stage. These two sides are the clear second-favorites to qualify behind leaders England. 

USA vs Wales Picks & Score Predictions

There’s a showdown in Group B to conclude the first full day of action at the 2022 World Cup. The USA take on Wales for a fixture that will have a big say on who makes the knockout stage. These two sides are the clear second-favourites to qualify behind leaders England. 

The need to win this match may be trumped by both sides’ desire to not lose it. At least that’s what the bookmakers think. A goal line set at 2.0 may not set tails wagging amongst the supporters of the USMNT. The fact that they’re the slight favorites may pull a few back on side. 

But Wales cannot be dismissed. Captain Gareth Bale now calls the US his home after a summer move to LAFC. He’ll want to impress and if there are goals, he looks good value at +225 to grab one any time. 

Just don’t expect too many of them. A 1-1 draw or a 1-0 win either way looks the likeliest outcome. It was 0-0 when these sides met in a 2020 friendly and I wouldn’t bet against another one here.

Score Predictions:
USA 1 Wales 0 (+600)
USA 0 Wales 0 (+550)

USA vs Wales Best Bets

There are plenty of angles getting into this one. As said, the value play here is backing a low-scoring game. Under 2.5 goals and no On Both Teams to Score is at -110 but looks good. That will cover the 0-0 as well as 1-0 and 2-0 wins for both sides.

Best Bet: Under 2 Goals (-106)

USA vs Wales Odds

United States +140
Wales +230
Draw +200
Over 2.5 (+150)
Under 2.5 (-188)

Corners: Over 9 (+120) Under 9 (+100)
Total Cards: Over 3.5 (-125) Under 3.5 (-110)

The bookies give the USA the edge here. They’re at +150 to get what would be a vital win in Group B. You’ll get +220 for a Wales win and +200 for the draw. The goal line is set at 2.0 which means the bookies aren’t expecting too many of them. The match odds mean that the USA has a slight handicap in the Asian lines at -0.25 goals. 

World Cup Best Bets - Round 1

Wales Betting Outlook & Players to Watch

All eyes will be on Gareth Bale, of course, and rightly so. Bale is his nation’s all-time top goal scorer. That late equalizer in the MLS Cup earlier this month means US fans will be well aware of his talents.

But he’s not alone in this Wales team. Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen provide plenty of quality on the ball in midfield. Wales will pose a threat moving forward. While the attention is on Gareth Bale, look out for the speedy Dan James running in behind. If that fails, the 6’ 5” Kieffer Moore could be called upon for the less subtle approach…

USA Betting Outlook & Players to Watch

There is more concern than confidence in this US team. It’s a talented squad but recent performances have hardly impressed. A patchy qualification campaign saw them finish 3rd, ahead of Costa Rica in 4th only on goal difference. The 2-0 loss to Los Ticos on Matchday 14 showed how small the gap was between the sides. 

But there is plenty of quality here. Christian Pulisic is on the longest goal drought of his USMNT career but can’t be underestimated. He’s at +900 to get one any time which looks great value. Gio Reyna and Weston McKennie play for some of the biggest sides in Europe and cannot be underestimated. 

Those who watch the Premier League will know to look out for the Leeds United boys in midfield. Tyler Adams and especially Brendan Aaronson could run the show providing the former stays away from the referee’s notebook. Generous odds of +450 for Adams to get a booking is one for the purists. 

USA vs Wales Betting Resources

• Date: Monday, Nov. 21, 2022
• Matchup: Group B
• Stadium: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium
• Location: Al Rayyan, Qatar
• TV-Time: FOX, 2:00 p.m. ET

Be sure to follow Daniel Jenkins on Twitter at @DanJenkins_BE

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