Predicting the USMNT starting XI vs. Mexico

FORWARDS: JOZY ALTIDORE, BOBBY WOOD

Along with Bradley, Jozy Altidore has helped Toronto FC reach the semifinals of the MLS Cup Playoffs. He has been scoring goals, and seems to be on track to finally reach the level most USMNT fans hoped he would. Consistent play and goals, lots of goals, during the Hexagonal round will make it clear that he’s the one to lead the attack into Russia 2018.

Bobby Wood is playing really good soccer for a really bad team. Hamburg are dead last in the Bundesliga. Before scoring two against Dortmund on Saturday (they lost 5-2), a game Wood was suspended for, they had scored two goals all season; Wood scored both. Hamburg are so bad that it isn’t crazy to think he threw that elbow, which earned him a three game suspension, just so he wouldn’t have to play with those jokers for awhile.

In all seriousness, Wood has the potential to be a lethal finisher and has acquitted himself well in one of the best leagues in the world. A dynamic Wood-Altidore partnership will only help the US secure a place in Russia.

Jordan Morris surely would have seen some playing time in these two games, but was replaced on the roster by Alan Gordon after picking up hamstring injury. Gordon is great in the air and may be called upon by Klinsmann in a late-game situation to do what he does best.

Aron Johannsson, back in the US squad after a long absence, may see a little time as a sub up top. He hasn’t established himself as a regular starter with Werder Bremen, so anything more seems unlikely.

STARTING XI

In this formation, the USMNT will look to attack down the left side through Johnson, Kljestan and Pulisic. Wood will make runs off of Altidore, who will need to hold up the ball and find open teammates or turn and shoot.

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Bradley in the No. 6 role will make many US fans happy. Kljestan will push forward during attacks, occupying a central attacking midfield role. He and Pulisic have shown that they work well together which could prove to be a huge factor against Mexico. Bedoya will take a more defensive roll, helping Bradley cover any opposing counterattacks. Look for Yedlin to overlap Bedoya if the US do manage an attack down the right flank.