USA v Wales: Group B rivals hard to split

They were only third in CONCACAF qualifying though, finishing below Canada and Mexico, but were Gold Cup champions last summer when five of their six victories were by a 1-0 scoreline.

Low-scoring games seem likely in Qatar given a lack of a world-class striker looks one of their biggest weaknesses, while Wales may be more focused on avoiding defeat rather than pushing for a winner.

Looking at the USA v Wales odds, 2/1 for a draw is the first of our betting tips.

Fitness worries over Wales duo

Securing three points from the first game is the dream scenario for both teams, with the USA 13/8 to do so while Wales winning odds of 19/10 highlight there is little to choose between them.

Wales will hope Gareth Bale can again produce a moment of inspiration but there have to be some question marks over his fitness.

The 33-year-old has played just half an hour of football since completing his first 90 minutes for over a year in Wales’ Nations League defeat to Poland in September.

Bale revealed he had been troubled by a “slight issue” and “was not 100 per cent” after coming off the bench to score a crucial late goal in Los Angeles FC’s MLS Cup final triumph over Philadelphia Union on November 5.

He insists playing 90 minutes in all three group matches will be “no problem” but Wales may not be able to rely on their captain quite as much as they have done previously.

There is also a concern over midfielder Joe Allen, who has not played since September 17 because of a hamstring problem.

The Wales squad looks short of strength in depth and a young American team may come strong the longer the game goes on.

The USA are 2/1 to win the second half while Wales HT/Draw FT at 14/1 looks good value for USA v Wales betting tips.

Moore can be main man for Wales

If anybody can ease the goalscoring burden on Bale then Wales striker Kieffer Moore could be the man.

The Bournemouth striker, at 6ft 5in, has the size to trouble most defences and headed to Qatar in fine form with three goals in his last three Premier League appearances.

Moore is 9/2 to open the scoring on Monday and will be the main target if Wales get the chance to put set-pieces into the box.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication