football | Friday, November 18, 2022 4:57 PM (Revised at: Monday, November 21, 2022 8:08 PM)

USA vs Wales Bet Builder Tips: 1.90 Builder for Monday's Group A Clash

Jack Wright

USA vs Wales Bet Builder: Monday, November 21st

The opening games of the 2022 World Cup are on the horizon and I have pored over the stats to bring you my USA vs Wales bet builder tips. The Ahmad bin Ali Stadium plays host as the Dragons take part in their first World Cup since 1958 on Monday evening.

In this article:

USA vs Wales Preview
USA vs Wales Stats & Facts
USA vs Wales Bet Builder

USA vs Wales Preview

Monday, November 21st, 19:00 (UK)

An embarrassing 2-1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago meant the US failed to qualify for Russia 2018. The first time they had missed a finals since 1986. Having undertaken an overhaul of an ageing squad, Gregg Berhalter has delivered an element of success. Two pieces of silverware were won in 2021. Defeating Mexico to secure both the Nations League and Gold Cup.

An underwhelming CONCACAF World Cup qualifying campaign ended with a 3rd-place finish behind Canada and Mexico but at least achieved the objective of an invite to Qatar. The USMNT haven’t played since two disappointing friendlies in September. Losing 2-0 to Japan before playing out a 0-0 with Saudi Arabia.

Their problem is finding a way to penetrate a low/mid-block continuing. Many fans Stateside have described the current crop of players as a “Golden Generation” so will be hoping a return to tournament action will act as a kickstart.

If missing one World Cup caused the USA angst, imagine the feelings of the Welsh having not participated in one for 64 years. Robert Page has done a fantastic job since being placed in interim charge in November 2020. The former Port Vale and Northampton Town manager seized the opportunity with both hands. As soon as Ryan Giggs resigned earlier this year his former assistant was given the job full time.

Wales also arrive having not played together since September. Although on an equally poor run of form, they will potentially have been grateful for the break. A chance to regroup and let the euphoria of a return to the biggest stage inspire them. Happy to play the role of underdog, their pride and passion coupled with a ferocious work ethic could be enough to spring a surprise in this group.

USA vs Wales Stats & Facts

USA have only kept two clean sheets in their last 27 matches at the World Cup, conceding 46 goals in the process.
In 33 games at the World Cup, the USA have never registered a goalless draw. That’s more than any other team in the history of the competition.
Wales reached the quarter-finals in their only previous World Cup appearance, in 1958. They were knocked out by Brazil (0-1), a match which saw Pelé score his first-ever goal in the tournament and become the youngest-ever goalscorer at the World Cup (17 years, 239 days).
USA’s Gregg Berhalter will become the first person to represent USA at the World Cup as both a player and manager, with Berhalter making two appearances at World Cup 2002.
Nine of Wales’ 13 goals at their last two major tournaments (Euro 2016 & 2020) have seen at least one of Gareth Bale or Aaron Ramsey involved as a goalscorer or assist-provider.

USA vs Wales Bet Builder

The result of this looks like a very tough one to call. Both sides would dearly love a win. Neither side can contemplate defeat with games against group favourites England and the obstinate Iranians to come. A draw is the likeliest outcome, giving each side a foothold in the section and leaving them relatively content. I can see the styles of each nation cancelling the other out and so low goals came into consideration. But an early strike changes that dynamic completely.

So instead I am using two prop markets to form this builder at a shade of odds on.

One opposition player who is very well known to the USA is, of course, Gareth Bale. A man for the big occasion. Just ask fans of his current club Los Angeles FC.

Entering the MLS Cup final match off the bench in the seventh minute of extra time the score was locked at 2-2. A Philadelphia Union goal with 120+4 on the clock looked to have clinched it for the visitors. Bale had other ideas as he popped up with the latest goal in MLS history to equalise in the 128th minute and send the match to a shootout. There is also a lengthy back catalogue prior to that for Spurs, Real Madrid and of course Wales.

LAFC teammate Kellyn Acosta is well aware of the danger and knows trying to stop him is a priority. “He’s a guy that we know to have eyes on,” Acosta said. “We’ve got to literally start kicking him around the field a little bit. Make him feel us.” But with the Wales skipper on free-kicks, I’m not too disappointed to hear that! His direct free-kick goals carried Wales through the play-offs after all.

The 33-year-old has declared himself “100% fit and ready to go.” Adding it would be “no problem” to play 90 minutes three times in nine days. His shot data in qualifying was extraordinary, firing in 28 attempts at goal in his 573 minutes of action. That’s a shot every 20 minutes and equates to just over four shots per 90. Taking a chance on his game time is something I am prepared to do with over 1.5 Bale shots is a solid first leg of the builder.

In order to give odds of 1.90, I am adding over 5.5 goal kicks. Wales will likely sit deep and invite onto them a US side boasting a crop of young, vibrant and eager talent. Berhalter likes his side to play with plenty of width and as a result of crossing and long shots, I expect this line to land comfortably. This is backed up by a quick check of the recent stats in the Dragons’ most recent competitive internationals. They have taken at least six goal kicks against each of the last four opponents (10-13-11-7) and in 16 of the last 18.