B/R Expert Predictions for 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarter-Finals

This is where the real fun starts. The 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup has reached the knockout stage. Eight sides remain, and they'll commence battle on Wednesday evening as the route to glory becomes clear.

Costa Rica, United States and Mexico won their respective groups and, given they were probably most people's picks for the three strongest teams in the tournament before a ball was kicked, it appears on face value as though all went to plan.

But that simply hasn't been the case: Mexico and USA's reserve squads have both wobbled at times, and Costa Rica met their match in the form of an exciting Canada side. There's nothing written in stone here.

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

Joe Tansey

The U.S. men's national team and Mexico may be the big names in the tournament, but Costa Rica are my favourites to win the competition.

The Ticos took care of business in the group stage and are definitely the favourites to come out on top in the first game of the knockout round.

Panama also had an impressive group phase, but their strong performance only got them second place behind the USMNT and a tough quarter-final showdown. However, they do have some hope heading into Wednesday night, as they drew with Costa Rica in San Jose on June 8 in the Hex.

Prediction: 2-1, after extra time

First goalscorer: Gabriel Torres

            

Sam Tighe

Costa Rica versus Panama doesn't exactly scream goals, and indeed, their last two meetings have produced a measly total of one.

Panama are easy to underestimate, but they're a stubborn outfit who have the ability to upset anyone in the CONCACAF on their day. They'll be sniffed at by some still, but they only lost out on top spot in Group B via goals scored.

A sneaky, tight 1-0 win for the Ticos beckons.

Prediction: 1-0

First goalscorer: Ariel Rodriguez

Dean Jones

Costa Rica seem to have enjoyed the art of scoring from crosses and this is something that could prove to be Panama's undoing.

It has not always been pretty, but their route to goal has often come from desire and nous to arrive in the area at the right time. They also topped Group A ahead of Canada, Honduras and French Guiana.

Never rule out Panama. They thrive in a role as the underdog and will make a fight of this one—but we should still expect them to come up short.

Prediction: 2-1

First goalscorer: Bryan Ruiz

Joe Tansey

This should be pretty straightforward for the Americans. They have the easiest quarter-final matchup on paper, and the reinforcements brought into the squad should only strengthen the "B" team used in the group stage.

Look for Tim Howard, Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey and Darlington Nagbe to all make an impact in some fashion in Philadelphia.

El Salvador did enough to advance to the final eight, but their run will most likely end with a defeat to the USMNT.

Prediction: 4-0 

First goalscorer: Jozy Altidore 

           

Sam Tighe

On paper this is a lovely draw for the USA, and you'd expect them to see El Salvador off and step forward into the semi-finals.

La Selecta scraped into the knockout stages by being the second-best third-placed team. Their four points bettered Martinique's tally by one, allowing them passage to the quarter-finals. It's hardly a glowing tournament resume to lean on.

The U.S. are stronger on paper by far and looked better during the group stage. They've reinforced the squad significantly in the meantime and should make light work of this one.

Prediction: 3-0

First goalscorer: Clint Dempsey

             

Dean Jones

Big names have linked up with the USMNT, and it is hard to see them messing this one up. In fact, I'm backing them to produce the most emphatic win of all four games.

While El Salvador have worked well to get to this stage, their back line seems fragile and this is an occasion when it could easily be exposed.

USA want to win this tournament and this is a fixture they need to control from start to finish to show they have the ability to go all the way.

It could prove a massive confidence boost for later on if they fulfil their potential and hit the goal trail.

Prediction: 4-0

First goalscorer: Clint Dempsey

Joe Tansey

This is the best matchup of the quarter-final round. Canada and Jamaica are evenly matched and their strong suits should be on display on Thursday night.

Cyle Larin was called into the Canada squad after the group stage, and he'll provide a huge impact to an attack that featured 16-year-old phenom Alphonso Davies as its star in the first three games.

However, Larin will face plenty of tests in defense, especially with Andre Blake in goal for Jamaica.

Prediction: Canada 1-0, after extra time

First goalscorer: Cyle Larin

              

Sam Tighe

This one looks fun. 

It pits exciting attacking talent (Canada) against defensive solidity and rigidity (Jamaica). Larin has been called into Les Rouges' squad and will complement Davies in attack, and their mission will be to find a way past the impressive Blake.

It never feels smart to back a high-scoring affair when the Reggae Boyz are involved, so a 1-0 win either way seems likely.

Prediction: 0-1

First goalscorer: Alphonso Davies

               

Dean Jones

Canada's only win so far was against French Guiana so they need to raise their game in the knockout stage. Good news has arrived though in the shape of Orlando City's Larin. His goalscoring ability could be exactly what has been missing.

Jamaica have a big threat of their own in Darren Mattocks, but overall it feels as though the team have not been fulfilling their potential. I have a feeling this one will be decided in a shootout.

Prediction: 1-1, Canada win on penalties

First goalscorer: Darren Mattocks

Joe Tansey

Honduras accomplished the incredible task of not managing to score a goal in the group stage. They were awarded three goals after French Guiana forfeited a game because of Florent Malouda's ineligibility.

Thursday night would be a perfect time to start scoring again, but that's going to be a tough task against Mexico, even if they're up against El Tri's "B" squad.

If everything goes their way, Mexico should eventually cruise to the final, with Costa Rica and the USMNT on the opposite side of the bracket.

Prediction: 3-1

First goalscorer: Elias Hernandez

            

Sam Tighe

It's tough to back Honduras here considering they didn't score a goal during the group stage. Poor finishing from good positions has been the hallmark of their tournament.

Mexico may not be the strongest side in this competition any longer due to the USMNT's reinforcement process, but you should still back them comfortably here. They're sharing goals around the side, and aggressive rotation means they're all in prime condition.

Prediction: 2-0

First goalscorer: Erick Torres

           

Dean Jones

Even though this is not Mexico's strongest team, you get the feeling they could push towards the final.

The goals have been spread around the team, and they probably quite like the feeling of having no expectation placed upon them.

Honduras may be feeling hard done by as they could easily have won their group with better finishing. This is another game that will probably end in frustration.

Prediction: 1-0

First goalscorer: Elias Hernandez