B/R Expert Predictions for 3rd Round of 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group Games

It's business time at the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Friday sees the commencement of the third and final set of group games, which will determine who progresses to the knockout stage.

The United States squeaked past Martinique on Wednesday evening, placing them top of Group B, while Mexico maintained their spot at the summit of Group C after a 0-0 draw with Jamaica.

Our experts have been taking stock and now present their predictions for this weekend's matches. Read on for their thoughts.

Joe Tansey

Group A has seen its share of wild events, with Canada tying Costa Rica on Tuesday and French Guiana using Florent Malouda against Honduras despite the former Chelsea man being ruled ineligible.

Although Honduras won the game against French Guiana on Tuesday by forfeit, they still need plenty of work, especially in the final third since they haven't scored in the competition yet.

Alphonso Davies has been the breakout star of the tournament for Canada, and if he's healthy, don't be surprised to see him star again. If not, the pressure will be on Tosaint Ricketts and others to score.

Prediction: 2-1

First goalscorer: Tosaint Ricketts

Sam Tighe

A draw here for Canada secures a place in the latter stages, and that's probably more than they expected heading into this tournament. 

Les Rouges' surprise effort has been led by 16-year-old Davies, who has blitzed defences on the way to a haul of three goals in two games—putting him joint-top of the scoring charts with Kevin Parsemain.

The fearless exuberance of Canada will conquer Honduras' stubborn showing.

Prediction: 2-1

First goalscorer: Alphonso Davies

Joe Tansey

The U.S. men's national team made an easy task look quite difficult on Wednesday against Martinique, but they're still on top of Group B entering what should be their easiest match of group play.

Dom Dwyer should be back in the lineup after sitting out Wednesday. Expect Omar Gonzalez and Kellyn Acosta to receive some rest, which means more playing time may go in the direction of Matt Miazga and Cristian Roldan.

Also look for head coach Bruce Arena to add a little more experience to the starting XI to make sure the win is sealed early. Nicaragua is at a major disadvantage, and all they're fighting for is to play the role of spoiler.

Prediction: 0-4

First goalscorer: Alejandro Bedoya

Sam Tighe

The U.S. emerged from a serious scare with Martinique on Wednesday night. Public confidence in this team is understandably lacking, though growing pains are to be expected given the nature of the squad.

A commanding victory in the third group game would put many fears to rest, and I'd expect them to manage that against an extremely weak, already-eliminated Nicaragua side that is 105th in the FIFA World Rankings.

Prediction: 0-2

First goalscorer: Dom Dwyer

Joe Tansey

Mexico will also face their easiest test of the group phase on Sunday when they take on Curacao in San Antonio. The goals for El Tri remain the same as they try to get more minutes for inexperienced players in their squad.

Sunday should be a field day for their attackers, and we could see a few forwards rotated in in the second half, especially if El Tri are cruising.

Much like Nicaragua, Curacao will be playing the role of spoiler, but they'll probably fail to do so against the best team in CONCACAF.

Prediction: 3-0

First goalscorer: Erick Torres

Sam Tighe

Going into the final round of inital games, Group C is where the excitement reigns.

Jamaica versus El Salvador has everything riding on it, while Mexico against Curacao should showcase plenty of goals...mostly, if not only, for the former.

This will be El Tri's easiest group game, and they should finish with a flourish and secure top spot.

Prediction: 2-0

First goalscorer: Orbelin Pineda