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USMNT Lineup Prediction vs El Salvador

PREVIEW – The United States Men’s National Team take on El Salvador tomorrow in their second game of the Concacaf Nations League this international window. Anthony Hudson’s hybrid lineup went off at Grenada on Friday night, winning 7-1. Tomorrow is the final matchday of group play. A draw or a win and the USMNT will finish top of Group D in League A.

USMNT Predicted Lineup vs El Salvador

How the United States Lined up at Grenada

It was an interesting squad selection for Grenada. The attack mirrored a first choice lineup with some newer faces at the back. Matt Turner was in goal. The back four consisted of Joe Scally, Auston Trusty, Mark McKenzie, and Bryan Reynolds. Scally was the only one out of those four to make the World Cup roster and he did not play in Qatar. In the double pivot was Luca de la Torre and Weston McKennie. Up front, Ricardo Pepi was at striker with Brendan Aaronson, Christian Pulisic, and Gio Reyna behind him.

Five subs were made during the game. Yunus Musah came in. So did Daryl Dike and Johnny Cardoso, who were fringe players last cycle. Taylor Booth and Alejandro Zendejas were cap tied with the Yanks. All of these subs were made by the 75th minute.

Interim Manager Anthony Hudson’s Approach

Between the two friendlies in January, Hudson made ten changes between games. Only Walker Zimmerman started both matches. Only needing a draw against La Selecta at home leaves room for error and experimentation. Aaronson is the only midfield or attacking player who played all 90 minutes at Grenada, so the others should be relatively fresh given the quick turn around and the travel. Three of the four regulars from Qatar’s back four were unused subs in this game. It could be a first choice defense with some rotation in the attack. Have to think if the result is under control, Alan Soñora will sub in for at least garbage time to get him cap tied just like Zendejas was on Friday.