- Pochettino has instilled a proactive, possession-based, high-pressing style on USA.
- Australia's style is to defend in a compact shape, with the wing-backs in wide positions.
Pochettino’s USA are a live contender
Mauricio Pochettino's influence on USA can't be underestimated and his philosophy has brought the best out of the USMNT in the World Cup. The United States have won their only home game in Group D so far and conceded just one goal in the process, and they sit atop the group on three points.
Australia also took three points from their opening Group D match and trail USA only on goal difference. The Socceroos beat Turkey 2-0 at home in a game that highlighted their defensive strength and clinical finishing. However, the away side will need to find their best if they're to get a result in Seattle.
The main tactical battle will be between Pochettino's possession-based style and Tony Popovic's compact, counter-attacking approach. Our USA vs Australia preview points out that Pochettino has implemented a pro-active pressing game for USA with structure during transitions, allowing them to play their natural, vertical game and set pieces from high positions.
The USA scored four goals in their last game, an emphatic 4-1 win over Paraguay at home, which showed their attacking potential. Christian Pulisic remains their creative engine for this team, driving the ball forward and linking the play while Weston McKennie provides a pressing force and box-to-box energy in midfield.
Australia will sit back in a 3-4-2-1 and look to counter-punch USA when they can, but they're a threat from set pieces as well. The USA vs Australia prediction also considers that Popovic has brought some structure to this Australia side, who are better organised in defence than they have been in the past.
Both teams can score in Seattle
Australia's Paul Okon-Engstler has a very impressive 1 assist in his first Group D start for Australia and his play in the deep midfield role was excellent. The Socceroos have some talent to hurt USA but USA vs Australia prediction shows it's hard to see them getting out of this one with a point.
The USA should win this game and the odds of 1.63 represent home field advantage, but this USA vs Australia betting tips analysis suggests that Australia do enough damage with their wing-backs on the counter to give themselves a chance of scoring. I'm taking a lively match here with over 2.5 goals at 1.98 and both teams to score at 1.94.
The USA are expected to control the pace and possession of this game, but Australia can be dangerous on the break and from set-pieces. A goal fest is expected here. Folarin Balogun is the top scorer for USA in Group D, scoring two of their four goals in one match and three of their last nine goals. Nestory Irankunda has scored three of Australia's last nine in all competitions, so I'm going for both to score in this one.
