Predicted lineups, team news and score prediction

Mauricio Pochettino’s era as USMNT head coach got off to a solid start with a 2-0 win over Panama last weekend. Yunus Musah and Ricardo Pepi both got on the Stars and Stripes’ top scorers list. The USMNT will now face rivals Mexico this week in what will be a good test for Pochettino’s side.

Pochettino will have to make changes after US Soccer announced that “Marlon Fossey, Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic and Zack Steffen will return to their clubs ahead of the USMNT’s friendly match in Mexico on Tuesday.”

Pulisic got an assist, Pepi scored against Panama. These players will be a huge loss to the USMNT. However, their absence allows other strikers to impress.

Mexico used to be considered the dominant force in CONCACAF. However, the USMNT has taken over that mantle. This was proven in the CONCACAF Nations League, where the Stars and Stripes won all three editions. This included two wins against Mexico in the final of the tournament.

El Tri now only has two players in its squad who play at Premier League clubs. They are Edson Alvarez from West Ham United and Raul Jimenez from Fulham. Javier Aguirre’s side drew 2-2 with Valencia last weekend. This happened despite Mexico having a two-goal lead.

Pulisic’s absence could give Haji Wright the opportunity to start against Mexico.

Projected USMNT Lineup: Turner, Scally, Ream, McKenzie, A Robinson, Busio, Morris, Musah, Wright, Sargent, Tillman

Alvarez and Jimenez both came on as substitutes against Valencia. However, Mexico will need them to compete against the USMNT.

Expected lineup of Mexico: Rangel, Sanchez, Orozco, Montes, Gonzalez, Alvarez, Romo, Rodriguez, Vega, Herrera, Jimenez

The USMNT are undefeated in their last seven games against Mexico. El Tri’s last win against the Stars and Stripes was in a friendly in 2019 where Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez scored a goal.

Pochettino’s side will likely have the quality to beat Mexico this week. It will be difficult without their talisman Pulisic, but they should win at least 1-0.

The USMNT will face Mexico on Tuesday, October 15th at 10:30 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on TNT, Univision, TUDN and ViX.