John Brooks is expected to captain a three-man backline, with Matt Besler on the left and Omar Gonzalez on the right. Jermaine Jones has won his fitness battle and beat out Sacha Kljestan for the starting nod alongside U.S. captain Michael Bradley in central midfield.
The switch from the U.S. team’s more standard four-man defense to a standard three-man defense can certainly be seen as a gamble, but it could help the Americans better cope with Mexico’s attack, which is led by striker Javier Hernandez, who Brooks has experience playing against. It will also the U.S. to double up the Mexican wins, with Besler and Johnson on the left, and Gonzalez and Chandler on the right.
The versatile tandem of Fabian Johnson and Timmy Chandler will work the wings for the U.S., with their ability to play in multiple positions allowing the U.S. lineup to morph into a five-man defense when necessary.
Teen sensation Christian Pulisic is in the lineup, as expected, and will operate from the right wing in a front three that will feature Jozy Altidore in the striker role and Bobby Wood working as a left forward.
The U.S. system can also work as a 5-3-2, with Chandler and Johnson sliding into defensive roles and Pulisic working out of the midfield, with Jones and Bradley.
Klinsmann’s lineup and formation choices left Kljestan and DeAndre Yedlin on the bench, though both are good options to bring on if the Americans need an attacking boost.
