PREVIEW – The 2024 Copa America is here. Matched kicked off on Thursday with Argentina against Canada. The United States Men’s National Team have their first game of Group C on Sunday June 23. They will play CONMEBOL side Bolivia at AT&T Stadium at 6:00 p.m. ET. Let’s do a USMNT Bolivia lineup prediction
USMNT Bolivia Lineup Prediction for Copa America June 23
Gregg Berhalter’s side coming into this match relatively healthy. None of the players sustained concerning injuries from the warmup friendlies against Columbia and Brazil (unless we’re counting wounded pride in the case of the former). Tyler Adams is still building fitness after missing most of the Premier League season with AFC Bournemouth due to a hamstring injury. Other than that, the squad called in is relatively healthy. Of course this excludes right back Sergiño Dest, who tore his ACL at the end of April. He will miss the entire tournament.
In terms of tinkering, expect Joe Scally to get the bulk of the minutes in place of Dest. He has impressed when called upon. The 21-year-old has been good in games against Mexico. He held his own against Vinícius Júnior the other week, which is no small feat. As for the midfield, Berhalter has a versatile group. Johnny Cardoso has been a serviceable No. 6 when Adams has not been able to play. Yunus Musa has played in a few different positions in that midfield three. Brenden Aaronson and Luca de la Torre could feature if they want to adjust the shape throughout the second half.
The further the USMNT goes in the tournament and the more minutes Adams gets, the more viable Captain America becomes as a starter.
Bolivia has not been competitive in non-friendlies away from home. Most of their players play domestically. On paper, this should be easiest game of the group stage for the Yanks. Expect Berhalter to be straight forward with his lineup and worry about Panama later.
USMNT Bolivia Lineup Prediction:
GK – Matt Turner
RB – Joe Scally
CB – Chris Richards
CB – Tim Ream
LB – Antonee Robinson
RM – Weston McKennie
CM – Yunus Musah
LM – Giovanni Reyna
LW – Tim Weah
CF – Folarin Balogun
RW – Christian Pulisic
Berhalter will keep the lineup that drew Brazil with the exception of Balogun in for Ricardo Pepi, which should be expected. The midfield will adjust as needed later in the game with substitutes. Hopefully the Yanks take an early lead and maintain it, so Berhalter can rotate and keep some legs fresh for the second match against Panama.
Jun 12, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; United States starting eleven before the Continental Clasico against Brazil at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
