USA possible starting lineup for game 3 of the group stage vs Iran
How will Gregg Berhalter’s side take to the field against Iran at the Al Thumama Stadium.
Perhaps unlike England, the USA will have been happy with the 0-0 in the second Group B match at the Al Bayt stadium. It was a tough watch according to many, but the solid display from Berhalter’s side means that England are still yet to beat the USMNT in a competitive match.
The team currently has 2 points after 2 games and a win against Iran would see them qualify for the next round to play one of the Netherlands, Ecuador or Senegal.
USMNT team news
Mirroring the calls from England fans to play Foden, the USA quite rightly want to see more of Borussia Dortmund star, Gio Reyna. The winger only featured for 7 minutes in the clash against England and the lack of attacking threat that the USA have shown in both games has only heightened the pressure on Berhalter to do what Southgate is being asked by many to do and put his exciting, young attackers on the pitch.
Having said that, I do not believe that Berhalter will react to the pressure and play Reyna; if the winger features it will be down to his performance in training. The USA are not in the same position as England and cannot afford to make changes for the sake of it, which means that the most likely outcome is that Berhalter goes with a similar line up to the past games.
Question marks still surround the centre-forward position, with Sargent being used in the 1-1 draw against Wales and Wright playing against England.
Apart from the doubts regarding personnel in the starting XI, the USMNT can count on their full squad and will hope that they are fit and firing to go up against Iran. Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson has been playing well from the bench so far so we may expect to see him come on during the game and have a role in proceedings.
Joe’s predicted line-up: 4-3-3
Turner
Dest - Zimmerman - Ream - Robinson
McKennie - Adams - Musah
Weah - Wright - Pulisic