The first edition of CONCACAF Nations League is underway and the final is staged this weekend between none but the classic host the United States and Mexico. Both sides will be squaring off in one of the many finals for the preliminary title before the more prestigious one, CONCACAF Gold Cup. They are calling up their best available names playing in European major leagues for this game and the upcoming tournament.
Both teams’ previous games
USMNT had to struggle at the semifinal while facing off Honduras. Christian Pulisic and Co had to wait for 89th minute to seal one place at the final. Their winning goal was scored by Jordan Siebatcheu Pefok’s header.
Meanwhile, El Sombrero even needed to go through a penalty shoot out to beat Costa Rica as the semifinal. They eventually won 5-4 after being held in a goalless draw in 120 minutes.
Possible tactic
Gregg Berhalter is likely to deploy 4-2-3-1 formation by relying on Christian Pulisic and Giovanni Reyna as the wide attackers operating on both flanks. They will be supporting Josh Sargent or Lille’s Timothy Weah as the targetman. In the midfield, Weston McKennie could be the anchorman accompanied by Leipzig’s Tyler Adams and Kellyn Acosta.
His counterpart, Gerrardo Martino will be sticking to his offensive 4-3-3. Napoli winger Hirving Lozano will be one of the tridents upfront. The other two forwards are Alan Pulido and Diego Lainez. They will gain support from the second line led by Andres Guardrado. The Real Betis man will operate in the midfield along with Hector Herrera and Edson Alvarez.
Players to watch
The host will be counting on the Champions League winner, Christian Pulisic and his successor in Dortmund Giovanni Reyna as their key attacking figures. The former has netted fifteen goals in 37 appearances while the latter has registered two goals in six caps so far. Another important name to focus on is the versatile Juventus man, Weston McKennie.
Napoli man Hirving Lozano is certainly one of the most notable frontmen in the current squad. He has bagged 14 goals in 45 caps. This season he is one of Il Partenopei’s top performers with eleven goals and three assists. Some other key men to watch are Guillermo Ochoa between the sticks and the defender Nestor Araujo.
USA vs Mexico Possible result
Judging from the previous outing, neither side seems to be the clear favourite here. Greg Berhalter’s side’s defensive stance is still in need of improvement to avoid conceding while their attacking side must be more effective in the six yard box. Andreas Guardrado and Co is also facing the same issue since the lack of clinical finish at the goal mouth. The match might end in a stalemate but when it comes to the penalties, Ochoa’s composure and experience would help Mexico win the game.
Betting odds
The USA is not exactly the favourite here. their win market is at +190, which is much lower than Tata Martino’s men who are backed to win at +135. The value for a draw result is at +210.
