B/R Experts: CONCACAF Gold Cup Predictions, July 7-9

The CONCACAF Gold Cup is upon us, with 12 teams battling for glory in the United States.

The action got underway on Friday, and our experts cast their eyes over the key games before making their predictions.

Read on for their views on Honduras vs. Costa Rica, the United States vs. Panama and Mexico vs. El Salvador.

Honduras vs. Costa Rica

RODRIGO ARANGUA/Getty Images

Dean Jones

Costa Rica have a good blend of players in their squad, and with Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell on board, there is every reason to believe they could be one of the more exciting teams to watch.

Honduras can't quite match them in terms of talent, but just because they don't have star names does not mean they don't offer promise.

This will probably be a closer game than many expect.

Prediction: Honduras 1-1 Costa Rica

First goalscorer: Bryan Ruiz

Joe Tansey

This will be the best game of the opening weekend of the Gold Cup. It's fair to call the Ticos the favourite given their recent form, but Honduras will give them a challenge, especially with someone as dangerous as Alberth Elis potentially wreaking havoc on the back four.

As always, Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell will have plenty of eyes on them, but Costa Rica's organised defensive structure will be the key to victory.

Prediction: Honduras 1-2 Costa Rica

First goalscorer: Bryan Ruiz

Sam Tighe

Mexico and the United States are understandably the heavy favourites to lift the Gold Cup, but if you're looking for the team most likely to smash that duopoly, Costa Rica might just be it.

The strength and creativity in their midfield put them at an obvious advantage against a limited Honduras outfit, and they should get off to the ideal start.

Prediction: Honduras 1-3 Costa Rica

First goalscorer: Bryan Ruiz

Result: Honduras 0-1 Costa Rica

First goalscorer: Marco Urena

United States vs. Panama

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Dean Jones

A victory over Ghana provided a morale boost for the United States heading into this tournament, and they should edge this opener.

It's worth looking out for Chicago Fire's Dax McCarty in the middle of the park, as his performances could define how well they fare in this tournament.

On paper, most onlookers will expect an easy American victory, but Panama are capable of putting up more than a good fight.

Prediction: United States 2-1 Panama

First goalscorer: Dax McCarty

Joe Tansey

For the United States, the Gold Cup is all about building depth at the back end of their first-team squad ahead of next year's World Cup in Russia.

Dom Dwyer, Kellyn Acosta and Dax McCarty played well in Saturday's friendly against Ghana. Although much of the attention has been paid to Christian Pulisic in recent months, Acosta could be the real breakout star for the USMNT in Russia.

Panama are no slouches, but they're most likely playing for second place in Group B, which is an attainable goal with Nicaragua and Martinique in the group.

Prediction: United States 3-1 Panama

First goalscorer: Dom Dwyer

Sam Tighe

Panama have proved to be stingy opponents for the United States in the past, and this one will be far from straightforward. Bruce Arena may be expected to treat this as a dry run for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but how can he do so with so many stars missing?

The U.S. should win this one, but against such a stubborn, experienced group of players, it won't be easy, and it might well be decided by one.

Prediction: United States 1-0 Panama

First goalscorer: Gyasi Zardes

Mexico vs. El Salvador

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Dean Jones

It's difficult to know exactly what we will get from Mexico at this tournament since they were just at the Confederations Cup with their A team.

The players selected will need to punch above their weight in order to achieve success, but perhaps it will suit them to have expectations played down.

El Salvador is as good a starting point as any. Win this one and who knows how the tournament could open up?

Prediction: Mexico 1-0 El Salvador

First goalscorer: Martin Barragan

Joe Tansey

Mexico are the unquestioned kings of CONCACAF right now, and like in most Gold Cups, they are set for a head-on collision with the United States in the final if everything goes according to plan.

Just like their biggest rivals, El Tri are tossing an experimental squad into the competition this summer. One player to watch is Erick "Cubo" Torres, who has caught fire once again in MLS with Houston Dynamo.

El Salvador will face an uphill climb on Sunday, but their real focus should be getting as ready as possible for the Jamaica match on July 16 that will probably decide the runner-up in Group C.

Prediction: Mexico 3-0 El Salvador

First goalscorer: Jesus Duenas

Sam Tighe

If you think the United States look weakened, wait until you see Mexico's squad. El Tri went big on the Confederations Cup and achieved a fourth-place finish, but that means none of their best players are available for this tournament.

It's a second-string side, no doubt about it, and that might come to haunt them later in the tournament, but for the opener against El Salvador, it will do the trick.

Prediction: Mexico 2-0 El Salvador

First goalscorer: Orbelin Pineda