Rafael Márquez brings out the heavy artillery against the United States: this would be the Mexican National Team's XI, with Gil Mora ready
"The Kaiser" rested his best players against Peru and now fields a luxury lineup for the Concacaf Clásico
Rafael Márquez has already shown his hand. In the debut against Colombia, he fielded his strongest eleven and secured a 1-1 draw. Against Peru he rotated almost the entire team to give minutes to other options. Now, against the United States , the scenario changes for the Mexican National Team . It is the team to beat in Concacaf and the Kaiser will put out his most competitive version .'
The lineup the Michoacán-born coach liked most was the one that faced the Colombians. Raúl “Tala” Rangel established himself between the posts, Johan Vásquez and Israel Reyes formed the central pairing, and Jesús Gallardo regained the left-back spot. In midfield, Erik Lira and Gilberto Mora brought balance and creativity, while Roberto Alvarado and Hirving Lozano stretched the field.
The return of the heavy artillery
Everything indicates that Márquez will recover most of those names. Tala Rangel would return to goal after Óscar García got his opportunity against Peru.
In defense, Jorge Sánchez , Israel Reyes , Johan Vásquez and Jesús Gallardo are shaping up as the chosen ones. Left back remains one of the most hotly contested positions, but Gallardo maintains the edge due to experience.
At the center of the field, Erik Lira appears to be a lock. The big question is Gilberto Mora .The Xolos youngster is finishing up recovery from an ankle issue, but his performance against Colombia placed him as one of the difference-making pieces of the new process. In his pre-match press conference, the Kaiser indicated that the highest probability is that Morita will play against the USA . If so, Mexico will have one of its aces up its sleeve to unsettle the American defense.
Key facts about the "war" between Mexico and the USA
Lineup vs Colombia: Rangel; Sánchez, Reyes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Lira, Chávez, Mora; Alvarado, Lozano, Hormiga
Lineup vs Peru: almost complete rotation
Possible XI vs USA : Rangel; Sánchez, Reyes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Lira, Mora, Chávez; Alvarado, Giménez, Lozano
Match: Saturday, October 3, 8:00 PM (CDMX)
Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
"Chaquito" Giménez as a penalty-area reference
In attack, Santiago Giménez has a strong chance of starting. The Porto striker did not start against Colombia or Peru , but the match against the United States is the ideal moment to give him the responsibility in the box . Roberto Alvarado on the right and Hirving Lozano on the left would complete a high-caliber front three .
Rafa Márquez wants the first win of his tenure and knows that the United States is the real benchmark . That is why, unlike the match against Peru, this time there will be no experiments. El Tri will take the field with the best it has available.
