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The United States men’s national team can take a giant step toward qualifying for the 2022 World Cup when Mexico visits Friday night for Matchday 7. The U.S. are 3-2-1 in the table and in second place, currently sitting three points clear in a qualifying spot. El Tri, meanwhile, are in first place with a 4-2-0 record and 14 points. If the Americans win by two goals, they’ll move into first place in the table heading into the second match of the window on Tuesday, a trip to Jamaica (which you can catch on Paramount+), and greatly increase their chances of being in Qatar next year.
For a look back at the rivalry’s history, click here. Or make sure you check out our interviews with Tyler Adams, and Tim Weah.
Here’s are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
USMNT: No Gio Reyna and no Sergino Dest, but these injury issues have been constant for the U.S. The plus side is that there are just two games in this window, so the depth won’t be pushed too far. With these two out, Gregg Berhalter has to figure out how he is going to field this team. Newcomer Joe Scally is an option at right back for Dest, while Reggie Cannon is also back in the fold despite limited minutes for Boavista. The expectation is Ricardo Pepi at striker, Christian Pulisic on the left and Brenden Aaronson on the right in place of Reyna. If that’s the case, expect Pulisic to drop centrally a bit in an effort to get on the ball and create danger.
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Mexico: How much of an impact can Hirving Lozano make? He’s got two goals since the end of September for Napoli and hasn’t even gone 90 minutes once. If anything, he will be fresh, but there is something to be said about his lack of opportunities and form ahead of this clash. Now, he’s as talented as any player in this match, so he’ll likely start and see significant minutes, but he’ll need to be cautious and not try to do too much. When Mexico can move the ball quickly, that opens up space for him to check to the ball or get in behind. Expect Lozano to see plenty of the ball, but if he isn’t at his sharpest, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him taken off.
The U.S. scores early, but the Mexicans battle back and deliver on a second-half set piece for a point. Pick: USA 1, Mexico 1
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