International Friendly: USA vs Mexico: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast 

Two of the long-time powerhouse teams in CONCACAF face off yet again

Two of the long-time powerhouse teams in CONCACAF will square off in what is being called the first annual Continental Clasico. This match will be a rehearsal for each team before they face each other in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-final this June, having each topped their respective groups. 

Hudson is only with the team to provide a little stability to the team while his time as interim coach. After a couple of poor showings versus Serbia and Colombia at the beginning of the year, the USA have bounced back nicely, winning their final two group matches in the Nations League versus Grenada (7-1) and El Salvador (1-0) by a combined score of 8-1. Hudson adjusted his formation in those Nations League encounters, going with a 4-2-3-1 as opposed to the 4-3-3 employed in his first two matches at the helm, and it made a massive difference in their performances, with the team looking dangerous when in possession while showing plenty of attacking. 

Following a disappointing campaign in Qatar last winter, El Tri are going through a transitional period in the hopes of regaining their status as a force in CONCACAF. The team is led by Argentine coach Diego Cocca, who is coming off a successful spell with Atlas, leading them to their first Apertura title in Liga MX in 70 years back in 2021.

He has built up a reputation as a practical manager with a defense-first style of play, relying on a midfield core that is highly matched, playing defensively should not be complicated for this team, unbeaten when scoring first since a 3-2 loss at the 2021 CONCACAF Nations League final versus the United States. In his two matches in charge of El Tri, the Mexicans have controlled the tempo of those games while maintaining much of the possession, though they have not always shown that killer instinct in the attack, taking 25 shots versus Jamaica but playing to a 2-2 draw.

Kick-off:

Wednesday, 19-04-2023, 10 pm (ET)

Stadium: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

USA Form (In All Competitions): W-W-D-L-L

Mexico Form (In All Competitions): D-W-W-L-D

Player to watch

USA: Sergiño Dest

The American plays as a full-back for Serie A club AC Milan, on loan from LaLiga club Barcelona have been unused by AC Milan for nearly three months, and was the only Europe-based player among 23 picked by U.S. interim coach Anthony Hudson. The 20-year-old has been considered one of the most valuable upcoming talents as Barcelona beat Bayern for his signatures and has set a release clause at €400million ($ 485.5 million). He is in the stage of getting regular game time but he has already scored his 01st Barcelona goal in the Champions League, he is known for his breathtaking dribbling, first touch, and ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas.

Mexico: Julián Araujo

The defender was purchased by FC Barcelona from LA Galaxy but have unable to cement his place in the starting line-up. The 22-year-old has a lot of potential to develop his game and make a name for himself among the European elites. His appearance in friendly will provide a glance into his ability to perform in a high-pressure game where the US is a heavily attacking team. 

Match Facts

• The USA have got the better of their Mexican rivals, unbeaten in their last four matches against them, including the previous three on American soil.
• Mexico have not beaten the US since September 2019 (3-0), their longest winless run versus their bitter rivals since failing to triumph in six successive outings from August 2011 to April 2015.
• The U.S.-Mexico matches are widely attended; several matches at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico have drawn over 100,000 fans, and several matches at the Rose Bowl in the United States have drawn over 90,000 fans.

Injury and Team News

United States: Injury: 

Paul Arriola (Hamstring)- He had been experiencing tightness in his right hamstring and will not feature in the upcoming clash.

Cristian Roldan (concussion)- He is entering concussion protocol with being dropped from the American team as a precaution.

Mexico: Injury:

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez (Recovery)- The LA Galaxy forward who is still working his way up to full match fitness after recovering from a recent hamstring injury, is left out of the squad.

Head to Head stats 

Matches – 20

United States – 08

Mexico – 07

Draws – 05

Predicted Lineups

Mexico Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Acevedo; Araujo, Reyes, Sepulveda, Gallardo; Antuna, Chavez, Alvarado, Vega; Martin, De la Rosa

USA Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Johnson; Dest, Zimmerman, Miazga, Wiley; Gressel, Yueill, Acosta; J. Morris, Ferreira, Vazquez

Match Prediction for USA vs Mexico

This fixture has the same intensity as any other match-up from European or South American continents would hold. The last fixture among both teams resulted in a goalless draw.  We may not see the best American players on the field or the bench for this match, but they have a little more international experience than those who will feature for El Tri, and that along with the psychological edge they have on them at the moment could make the difference in this encounter.

Prediction: USA 2-1 Mexico

Telecast

India – No Telecast

UK – No Telecast

USA – TV: TBS, Telemundo; Stream: HBO Max, Peacock

Nigeria – No Telecast