The Canadian Men’s National Team (CanMNT) took the upper hand in their two-legged matchup against Jamaica on Saturday morning. The away leg in Kingston was delayed due to weather, but when it got underway Mauro Biello’s boys showed they were the superior squad. Still, Les Rouges showed weaknesses that the Reggae Boyz could expose in Toronto when they play on Tuesday.
CanMNT Predicted Lineup Vs Jamaica in Decisive Home Leg
How the CanMNT Have Lined-up Recently
Biello utilized a 4-4-2 in Saturday’s match. The wingers played forward which allowed them to press the Jamaican defence. Milan Borjan started in goal with Cyle Larin and Jonathan David up front. Sam Adekugbe, Kamal Miller, Steven Vitoria and Richie Laryea constituted the back line. Finally, at midfield, Alphonso Davies, Ismael Kone, Stephen Eustáquio and Tajon Buchanan controlled the ball possession.
Read More: CanMNT Edge Past Wasteful Jamaica In Nations League Quarters
This was Biello’s first competitive match in charge of CanMNT. His sole previous match saw the team lose 4-1 to Japan. In that friendly, he used a 3-5-2 formation but opted for the traditional 4-4-2 on Saturday. Player selection remained consistent as well, with most of the call-ups featuring in both games.
CanMNT Recent Form and Tactics
The Oct 13th friendly against Japan and Saturday’s Concacaf Nations League Quarter-Final at Jamaica have been Biello’s only two fixtures in charge. Goals from David and Eustáquio secured victory for Les Rouges at the weekend. Currently, the interim coach’s record stands even with one win and one defeat from two matches.
Reaction from Mauro Biello:
"Considering what we went through yesterday and then having to play this morning under this heat, I think it's a tremendous credit to the players."#CANMNT pic.twitter.com/yvuktW6kiF
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 18, 2023
CanMNT possessed the ball evenly with the Reggae Boyz. Jamaica committed more fouls but were outshot by Biello’s attacking line. One area that needed improvement was chance conversion and accuracy. Despite outshooting their opponents 18-6, a nervy 2-1 win highlighted a lack of confidence in finishing.
CanMNT Injuries to Consider
A healthy squad maintained full fitness leading up to Saturday’s match. No players appeared to pick up any knocks, and all substitutions were for tactical purposes only. Biello can choose his lineup for Tuesday’s home leg without any hindrance or worry of aggravating an already present gash or contusion.
CanMNT Predicted Lineup Vs Jamaica (4-4-2)
A spot in the 2024 Copa America is on the line. Additionally, reaching the semi-finals of the Concacaf Nations League would give the CanMNT a chance to secure precious silverware should they get all the way to the final. Biello, having found success with a 4-4-2 formation, will use it again to hold onto his squad’s slim lead.
Attackers
The frontline of David and Larin worked well but could be held in reserve for a potentially dire situation. Jonathan Osorio will start on the left. David, due to the skill he has the potential to display, starts on the right. Larin will be on the bench as an option for fresh legs if CanMNT is not winning by the 60-minute.
Midfielders
Alphonso Davies keeps his spot on the left wing. His playmaking capabilities are crucial to Les Rouges’ counter-attacks. Mark Anthony-Kaye should see a large chunk of playing time on Tuesday, but again in a substitute position. Ismaël Koné anchors the midfield line in the centre-left.
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Eustáquio, the goal-scoring hero, starts in the centre-right and could be treated to a hero’s substitution if the CanMNT is leading by halftime. Junior Hoilett was Buchanan’s sub on Saturday but gets the start in the pivotal home leg. Whether or not he plays the whole 90 minutes will depend on the state of the game, and Buchanan is an option on the bench if Biello’s squad go behind.
Defenders and Goalkeeper
Borjan, who has seen his time as captain lead Les Rouges to heights previously thought unachievable, starts again in between the sticks. Biello made no substitutions in his backline on Saturday. That sign of trust suggests he is ready to put his faith in them once more. From left to right, Adekugbe, Miller, Vitoria and Laryea will be asked to contain Jamaica’s attack under the lights in Toronto.
When and How to Watch the Match
Biello and the boys face the Reggae Boyz on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. EST. The fixture is taking place at the BMO Field in Toronto, Canada’s largest city. Capacity varies depending on the stadium’s event, but at least 31,000 seats will be available for loyal supporters, with those at home being able to watch or stream the match on Paramount, OneSoccer and Telus.
Photo Credit: Canada Soccer EN Twitter Account and the Canada Soccer FR Twitter Account on November 18, 2023.
