USMNT predicted lineup to face Canada - More young players facing a quality opponent
The four-match international window comes to a conclusion for the USMNT Tuesday night against Canada. This will be the last USMNT game before Pochettino names his roster in November for the Nations League quarterfinals. That will put pressure on players to make a lasting impression on Pochettino and the coaching staff.
Predicted USMNT lineup to face Canada
Matt Freese (GK)
This is a tough call for Pochettino. After Diego Kochen started against Mexico, he may have surpassed Freese as the top choice. But Pochettino probably doesn’t want to give up on Freese entirely just yet. Of course, he may also want to give Chris Brady more time, so there’s no telling what choice he’ll make at goalie.
Frankie Westfield (RB)
Westfield has been one of the more underwhelming young players this window. But he does bring a lot to the table from an attacking standpoint. That should be enough to get Westfield a start against Canada, with Alex Freeman getting a well-deserved rest after the Mexico game.
Neil Pierre (CB)
If Westfield starts at right-back, it makes sense to start his club teammate next to him. The 6’7’’ center-back started against Chile and had some ups and downs. But with that position still a mystery outside of Chris Richards, it makes sense to give Pierre another look, especially with Canada having quality attacking players like Jonathan David and Cyle Larin, whom Pierre will have to defend.
George Campbell (CB)
Campbell was solid in the 4-1 win over Peru but hasn’t been used in either of the last two games. However, it makes more sense to give him another start than it would to play Miles Robinson. Campbell is younger and appears to be coming into his own at West Brom. But Pochettino needs to find out if he can cut it at the international level. Playing against Canada might be one of his last chances to sink or swim.
Peyton Miller (LB)
There’s no reason to run out Antonee Robinson for a third straight game after he played 90 minutes against both Chile and Mexico. That should earn Miller his second international start. The 18-year-old speedster looked dangerous on the left side against Peru. However, facing Canada will be a greater challenge, giving Pochettino a chance to evaluate Miller better and see just how close he is to challenging Robinson for the starting job.
Yunus Musah (CM)
Musah has gotten some minutes during the international break. He just hasn’t done enough to stand out. That being said, he’s 23 years old, has 48 international caps under his belt, and plays regularly in Serie A. That should be enough to earn him another start. But given the history he has with Pochettino, it’s critical that Musah plays well if he wants to be considered for a call-up at the next international break.
Brooklyn Raines (CM)
Raines coming on as a sub late in the Mexico game is an indication that Pochettino likes what he sees from him and trusts the Revolution midfielder. The 21-year-old also had a solid performance overall against Chile, playing all 90 minutes in that game. If Pochettino wants to give the veterans a rest, it’s either Raines or Adri Mehmeti, and right now, Raines is more deserving of the start.
Sergiño Dest (AM)
Dest’s days playing right-back might be over. Pochettino seems to prefer him in a more advanced position where he’s less of a defensive liability. He’s also played just 63 minutes over the first three games, as Dest was notably absent against Mexico. But with so many of the veteran players being rotated out, it makes sense to give Dest some run on the right wing.
Malik Tillman (AM)
One of the midfielders who started against Mexico will likely have to play against Canada, and Tillman is the most likely option. Keep in mind, he started the first game but came off the bench against Chile. That should allow him to start back-to-back games. It also helps that Pochettino had high praise for him after the Mexico game and that Tillman never seems to run out of energy.
Mathis Albert (AM)
There’s no doubt that Albert has made a strong impression during the international window. Somehow, he’s managed to do that in just 50 minutes of action. It’d be great to see him get a chance to start, allowing Albert to show he can be more than just a super sub. He’s probably not fit enough to play all 90 minutes, but even a full half with Albert wreaking havoc on the wing would be great to see.
Justin Ellis (ST)
Obviously, Julian Hall has done wonders for his stock, scoring three goals in three games. But remember it was Ellis who scored just four minutes into his international debut against Peru. He’s taken a backseat to Hall since then, but he should get another turn in the final game of the window. Of course, there’s a ton of pressure on him to make a splash the way Hall has done.
Today's best reads
USMNT predicted lineup to face Mexico - Mauricio Pochettino will play his best available
USMNT vs Canada: How to watch Tuesday’s friendly in St. Paul
USMNT youngsters look the part in friendly win over Peru
USMNT predicted lineup to face Chile: Veteran lineup set to complement young strikers
Second time around, Tyler Adams is perfect choice as new USMNT captain
