B/R Expert Predictions for 2nd Round of 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group Games

The 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup has reached the second round of group games, and there's plenty to play for.

Bruce Arena's United States are on the back foot to an extent following a draw with Panama in their opening game, while Mexico made a solid start to the defence of their title with a victory over El Salvador.

Our experts have been taking a look over the second round of games. Read on for their thoughts.

Canada vs. Costa Rica

Moises Castillo/Associated Press

Joe Tansey

This is the big test for Canada in Group A to prove if they are for real. The showed a bit of weakness in the second half against French Guiana by giving up two goals, but what matters is they held on to a win.

This would've been a perfect game for Canada to use Cyle Larin, who was left off the roster after an arrest in Orlando before the tournament. The Ticos are still the favourites to win this game, and as long as they play they way they should, they'll take care of business. Look for a little squad rotation, like many teams will utilise with games in quick succession.

Prediction: Canada 1-3 Costa Rica

First goalcorer: Joel Campbell

Sam Tighe

Costa Rica emerged victorious from what was their toughest game in Group A, beating Honduras 1-0. They're now in a great spot and can solidify that further against a Canadian side who did not convince in the opener.

A team who concedes twice to French Guiana is in trouble against the Ticos. No upsets here.

Prediction: Canada 0-2 Costa Rica

First goalscorer: Bryan Ruiz

United States vs. Martinique

Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

Joe Tansey

After facing their toughest opponent in Group B, the USMNT have a chance to beat up on two minnows, starting with Martinique on Wednesday.

Bruce Arena used his best XI in Saturday's draw with Panama, and he is expected to give other players a chance to shine as he tries to build up his roster for Russia. The biggest spots to watch will be full-back and central midfield. Players at both positions struggled on Saturday, and look for players like Eric Lichaj and Cristian Roldan to take advantage of the opportunity.

Martinique earned a valuable three points on Saturday, which could help them qualify as a third-place team, but they'll have to limit their goal differential to do so.

Prediction: USA 4-0 Martinique

First goalscorer: Jordan Morris

Sam Tighe

Concerns over the USMNT's incredibly experimental side were realised not long after kick-off in their game against Panama. A slow, tepid performance led to a disappointing draw.

It's not the worst result in the world, Panama are a handy outfit, but expectations are high for Bruce Arena's side despite the reserve nature of it.

They'll snap back to form against Martinique, though, putting themselves into a strong position in Group B in the process.

Prediction: USA 2-0 Martinique

First goalscorer: Dom Dwyer

Mexico vs. Jamaica

Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Joe Tansey:

In all honesty, Mexico should've won by four or five goals against El Salvador on Sunday. Now, scoring will become an even more difficult task with Andre Blake in net for Jamaica. Blake, who was the 2016 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, has the potential to play in Europe and could use the Gold Cup as another platform to showcase his talents, especially with the Reggae Boyz already out of contention for a 2018 FIFA World Cup berth.

El Tri should rotate their squad a bit as well, with Erick Gutierrez and Erick "Cubo" Torres expected to get a chance at some point.

One player Juan Carlos Osorio would be wise to keep in the lineup is Elias Hernandez, who was arguably the best player in the tournament in the opening set of games.

Prediction: Mexico 1-1 Jamaica

First goalscorer: Darren Mattocks

Sam Tighe

Unlike the USMNT, Mexico's reserve selection clicked into gear pretty quickly. A 3-1 win in the first game sets them up nicely for top spot, though Jamaica will provide a sterner test.

The Reggae Boyz are largely shorn of their Premier League and English-based stars this summer, but they still boast a small collection of impressive performers and beat Curacao easily in their opener. They've hit ground running and will push Mexico for a result.

Prediction: Mexico 2-1 Jamaica

First goalscorer: Orbelin Pineda