USA Vs Panama: The Panel's Picks & Predictions For Thursday's Copa America Clash
The Panel's Copa America Picks
- The Panel Pick 1: United States -0.5 Goals First Half @ -115 With DraftKings
- The Panel Pick 2: Christian Pulisic Anytime Goal @ +135 With Fanduel
- The Panel Pick 3: United States To Keep A Clean Sheet @ +105 With BetMGM
The United States will try and notch another Copa America win on Thursday against Panama at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia (6:00pm ET on FOX).
The USA are a strong -275 Moneyline favorites to grab all three points, but Panama are looking to bounce back after a 3-1 setback against Uruguay in their tournament opener.
These two teams have an interesting history versus each other. After a split in World Cup qualifying, the Americans and Panama played to a 1-1 draw in CONCACAF Golf Cup play last summer.
The Panel has looked at all the stats, data and key players ahead of Thursday's clash to bring you these three predictions with sports betting sites.
Future Looks Bright For United States
The United States came into the Copa America with a renewed sense of optimism and after a 1-1 draw against Brazil, put Bolivia on their heels early and often.
Christian Pulisic started the scoring with his 30th international goal in the third minute before Folarin Balogun added a goal late in the first half for a 2-0 lead.
From there, the Americans kept generating quality chances with the only slight concern being that none of those found the back of the net.
However, Bolivia was severely limited, managing three shots on goal but only attempted six shots, while the United States tried 20 shots (eight on goal).
Everything is looking a bit brighter for the United States in the tournament - with Mexico hamstrung and Brazil somewhat vulnerable, the Americans may have a chance to go deep.
Best betting sites are still offering a Moneyline that is tilted strongly toward the United States side, but that number is not great when it comes to value.
If, like The Panel, you trust the U.S. to come out more offensive-minded, the spread of 1.5 goals is of real interest.
This is something of a risk against a Panama team that will want to slow things down considerably, so maybe consider a halftime spread where the Americans score first and hold a one-goal lead.
The Panel believes that the Americans get the edge early as they try not to play conservatively versus an angry Panama squad.
Panel Pick 1: United States -0.5 Goals First Half -115 With DraftKings
Christian Pulisic Can Do It Again
It's difficult to keep assuming Christian Pulisic can pull off some amazing moments. Then, on Sunday night, he scored in just the third minute against Bolivia.
The goal looked too easy, but saying that, Pulisic seems to find ways to score that no other American can.
On Fanduel and other sportsbooks, shot props are not available yet. However, keep an eye on those.
The anytime goal is surprisingly more on the plus side than expected on for Pulisic on Thursday night.
That +400 is an enticing number. However, the idea is to play this a bit safer as second games in the group can sometimes feature many defensive adjustments.
But Pulisic is that difference maker and, even though teams focus their attention on him, he still finds ways to create chances.
Our pick here is for Pulisic to find the back of the net anytime.
The Panel Pick 2: Christian Pulisic Anytime Goal +135 With Fanduel
The American Defense Can Form A Wall
There are various ways to look at the run of play, but we will focus on whether the Americans can post another clean sheet on Thursday night.
Again, the possession edge is likely not 60-40 in favor of the United States and that will put a little more pressure on their defense and midfield to keep Panama’s long runs in check.
Why take a shot here? Why not? The Americans are improving on the pitch and at the right time.
They are familiar with how Panama play and when to make things simpler, meaning mistakes over the past few matches have been few and far between.
If the United States want to show that they belong in this company, another clean sheet is a nice step in what can be a dangerous second game.
Side with the stars and stripes on Thursday night.
The Panel Pick 3: United States To Keep A Clean Sheet +105 With BetMGM
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