USA vs Haiti prediction, preview, team news and more
The USA will host Haiti at Children’s Mercy Park in their opening game of the 2021 Gold Cup on Sunday.
The home side were emphatic 4-0 winners over Costa Rica in their final preparatory game on Friday. Brendan Aaronson, Daryl Dike, Reggie Cannon and Gio Reyna all got on the scoresheet for the Stars and Stripes.
Haiti’s 4-1 victory over Bermuda helped them secure qualification for the continental showpiece. Frantzdy Pierrot scored a first-half hat-trick to put Les Grenadiers on their way to an emphatic victory.
A victory for either side will put them in the driving seat in Group B of the competition and they will each strive to pick up maximum points.
USA vs Haiti Head-to-Head
This will be the 18th meeting between the sides and their head-to-head record is closer than might have been expected.
The USMNT have a narrow advantage with six wins to their name, while Haiti were victorious on five previous occasions. The two sides have played out a draw six times in the past.
Their most recent meeting came in the group stages of the 2015 Gold Cup, where Clint Dempsey’s sole second-half strike was enough to give the USA a 1-0 victory.
USA form guide: W-W-W-L-W
Haiti form guide: W-W-L-L-W
USA vs Haiti Team News
USA
Coach Gregg Berhalter called up 23 players to dispute the 2021 Gold Cup and the squad is made up of 19 players who ply their trade in the MLS.
However, most of the nation’s high-profile players who play for the biggest European clubs, including Gio Reyna and Christian Pulisic, have been excluded.
Injuries: None
Suspension: None
Haiti
Haiti’s 23-man Gold Cup squad is headlined by experienced players like Ricardo Ade and Duckens Nazon.
Injuries: None
Suspension: None
USA vs Haiti Predicted XI
USA Predicted XI (4-3-3): Brad Guzan (GK); Reggie Cannon, Walker Zimmerman, Shaquell Moore, Sam Vines; Cristian Roldan, Kellyn Acosta; Gyasi Zardes, Daryl Dike, Paul Arriola
Haiti Predicted XI (4-4-2): Josue Duverger (GK); Kevin Lafrance, Alex Junior Christian, Carlens Arcus, Stephane Lambese; Bryan Alceus, Derrick Etiene, Steeven Saba, Zachary Herivaux; Duckens Nazon, Frantzdy Pierrot
USA vs Haiti Prediction
Despite the absence of several key players, the USMNT roster is still vastly superior to much of the competition on the continent. Home advantage could also be a major benefit for Gregg Berhalter’s side.
The USA team is made up of largely inexperienced players who are keen to make a mark on the international scene. Nevertheless, they should still have too much firepower for Haiti.
Prediction: USA 2-0 Haiti
