WES ‘N REGGAE BOYZ TO MAN UP Jamaica to clinch Cup
IT’S been a week of high drama in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The USA, previously odds-on favourites for the title, were dumped out of the tournament at the hands of Jamaica on Wednesday.
And in the other semi-final, Mexico needed two controversial penalties and a dubious red card to beat Panama, leaving the latter raging and levelling accusations of CONCACAF corruption.
All of that has set up an interesting and somewhat unexpected final tomorrow night.
Jamaica might be wondering how they have come this far but they fully deserve their place in the final and have a good blend of talent and experience in their squad. Their team is littered with familiar names for English football fans.
Leicester City captain Wes Morgan provides a firm foundation at the back – the Reggae Boyz have kept three clean sheets in their five games so far.
Up front, former Derby and West Brom striker Giles Barnes provides the firepower and scored in both the quarter and semi-finals.
Mexico, on the other hand, are lucky to be in the final. They were the beneficiaries of a few questionable decisions against Panama. The backlash since then has been severe and I think Sports betting expert Simon Hall on the CONCACAF Cup Final the controversy surrounding that win may have an effect on Mexico. So I’m backing the underdogs in the final and Jamaica look great value at 18-5. Before the final, there is the third place play-off. Amazingly, Panama have drawn all five of their matches 1-1. They’ve been consistently underrated and can get a result against a USA side struggling for motivation. Back Panama to draw or win at 27-20 with us.
Meanwhile, the pre-season friendlies are coming thick and fast. The pick this weekend is Barcelona v Manchester United tonight.
I’m expecting an open and entertaining game with United’s new recruits out to impress. Whilst these friendlies can be hard to predict, Barcelona should have too much quality. Back them to win at 23-20.