The United States men’s national team will host a crucial World Cup qualifier on Wednesday against last-place Honduras in below-freezing conditions in St. Paul, Minnesota, where the temperatures are supposed to drop in the single digits by the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff. The Americans are in second place with a 5-3-2 record but far from comfortable in the table, while Los Catrachos are dead last and the first team eliminated from the Octagonal with an 0-3-7 mark. A win for the U.S. will put them on the brink of qualification.
Here’s are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 2 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Allianz Field — St. Paul, Minnesota
TV: FS1 and TUDN | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Odds: USMNT -675; Draw +480; Honduras +1600 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Team news
USMNT: This team has been bit by the injury bug at the tail-end of this triple-fixture window as Gregg Berhalter is forced to make two major changes. Tyler Adams and Chris Richards are out, forcing the manager to test out his depth. It seems as if Kellyn Acosta will be the player to replace Adams, which is a big drop-off in terms of quality, with Adams showing his ability as of late to cover so much ground defensively. In defense, it could be Mark McKenzie who gets the nod to replace Richards, who started the other two qualifiers this month.
Honduras: Coach Hernan Gomez and his team have hit rock bottom. They haven’t won a game, and the manager’s words shed light on just how the team dynamic is fragmented. “My staff and I are at an unfortunate time where everyone’s patience is gone,” he said in his pre-match press conference. “[We’re] at a stage where this job is unpleasant. We’re in a situation where there’s no respect or credibility … It’s not working.” How can they possibly come out with ambitious and confidence after that? Don’t be surprised if this team comes out as flat as can be. They’ve scored just five goals in 10 games while conceding 19.
Prediction
Ricardo Pepi starts and scores, beating Honduras again thanks to a clinical strike that ends his goal drought. Pick: United States 1, Honduras 0
