USMNT predicted team vs Portugal: Mauricio Pochettino looks to bounce back from Belgium loss

Three days on from a chastening 5-2 loss to Belgium, USMNT will hope for considerable improvement when they take on Portugal in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side took the lead against Belgium on Saturday but a flurry of second-half goals ensured that the game ended in comprehensive defeat. Speaking on Monday, Pochettino admitted that his side needed to be “much better in the defensive phase, the whole team.”

So what next? The visit of world No. 5 Portugal brings the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves and Vitinha, although Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva are all out for the game. Tuesday’s game will be the final opportunity for players to impress Pochettino before the US coach selects his 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup.

USMNT predicted team vs Portugal

Starting at the back, goalkeeper Matt Turner did little to suggest that he is deserving of the No. 1 jersey this summer and Matt Freese is expected to return to start against Portugal. In defense, Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards has been cleared fit to play and he is expected to start. Antonee Robinson looks set to retain his place at left-back but either Joe Scally or Alex Freeman could replace Tim Weah on the right.

In midfield, Pochettino confirmed on Monday that johnny Cardoso has returned to Atletico Madrid due to a minor injury. Middlesborough midfielder Aidan Morris was one of few players who did not feature on Saturday so could be due an extended run-out against Portugal. Gio Reyna, who was limited to a late cameo against Belgium, may also get a chance to impress from the start.

Up front, Patrick Agyemang managed to have an impact as a late substitute against Belgium. The former Charlotte FC striker scored a clinical late consolation for the US but might struggle to displace regular starter Folarin Balogun in the starting XI.

USMNT predicted team vs Portugal: Matt Freese - Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards, Mark McKenzie, Alex Freeman - Aidan Morris, Weston McKennie - Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Brenden Aaronson - Folarin Balogun

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