Lineups are out for the United States men’s national team’s big World Cup qualifying showdown with Mexico, and neither team is sitting back to defend.
USA vs. Mexico lineups: Christian Pulisic starts as expected
Both teams have picked attacking squads.
Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Jurgen Klinsmann appears to be playing a 4-4-2, though a back three is possible too. Regardless of the formation, Bobby Wood and Jozy Altidore will partner up top. If they’re playing a back four, Fabian Johnson will be pushed up into midfield, with Matt Besler getting the start at left back. If not, Besler will play as part of a back three, with Johnson and Timmy Chandler as wingbacks. Christian Pulisic gets the start, but it’s not obvious if he’ll be out wide in a 4-4-2 or in the hole behind the strikers in a 3-4-1-2.
El Tri is showing no fear with their extremely attacking lineup, though there’s one conservative move. Diego Reyes, normally a central defender, is expected to play right back as El Tri shifts from their expected back three into a back four. Andres Guardado and Hector Herrera, hardly defensive midfielders, will man the middle for Juan Carlos Osorio’s team. The USMNT will have a lot to deal with up top, with Mexico playing four true attackers. Like the USMNT, this lineup gives Mexico the flexibility to shift between a back three and a back four, should they choose to do so.
United States lineup (4-4-2): Tim Howard; Matt Besler, John Brooks, Omar Gonzalez, Timothy Chandler; Fabian Johnson, Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Christian Pulisic; Jozy Altidore, Bobby Wood
Mexico lineup (4-2-3-1): Alfredo Talavera; Miguel Layun, Hector Moreno, Rafa Marquez, Diego Reyes; Andres Guardado, Hector Herrera; "Tecatito" Jesus Corona, Giovani dos Santos, Carlos Vela; "Chicharito" Javier Hernandez
Kickoff will happen just after 8 p.m. ET from Columbus. You can watch in English on FS1 and in Spanish on Univision.
