USMNT predicted lineup to face Mexico - Mauricio Pochettino will play his best available

Following wins over Peru and Chile, the USMNT faces its toughest test of the international window when it plays host to Mexico on Saturday night. Let's face it, the last two games have been appetizers; this game is the main course. It's also a golden opportunity for Mauricio Pochettino to give his young roster a true test.

Predicted USMNT lineup to face Mexico

The question for Pochettino is who gets the start against Mexico. Friendly or not, he wants to win this game, so he'll put the best possible lineup on the field. But after 10 changes between the Peru win and the Chile win, it's anybody's guess who Pochettino will choose. Here is our prediction for the USMNT starting 11 against Mexico.

Matt Freese (GK)

It's tempting to go with Diego Kochen, but Freese is the safer bet. If nothing else, he has experience playing in big games and tough environments, even if his performances have been mixed. A halftime goalie change is possible, but Freese will get the start.

Alex Freeman (RB)

Freeman is the best option at right back right now, and it's not even close. He has Pochettino's trust, and he'll be expected to be a difference-maker against Mexico.

Chris Richards (CB)

Richards played the final 30 minutes against Chile, getting a yellow card and scoring a goal. That was enough to show that he's at full strength despite not starting either of the first two games. Time will tell if he can play all 90 minutes, but he'll get the start.

Auston Trusty (CB)

There's a case for George Campbell, but Trusty is the safer option. He was solid in all 90 minutes against Peru and then came off the bench to score a goal against Chile. Trusty's international experience also helps to separate him from Campbell, making him the best choice in a big game.

Antonee Robinson (LB)

Peyton Miller was impressive against Peru, but that doesn't mean Pochettino will throw him to the wolves against Mexico. Robinson is still the top left-back in the pool. We might see Miller in the second half, but in order to keep things steady in the back early in the game, Robinson is the starter.

Tyler Adams (CM)

Adams is a no-brainer to start against Mexico. While it's only a friendly, the intensity will be high from the start. The USMNT will need a veteran player and a leader who can handle the situation. He's also the best holding midfielder available, making this an easy choice for Pochettino.

Sebastian Berhalter (CM)

After the first two games, it's impossible to imagine Berhalter not starting against Mexico. He has two goals and two assists in two games, and he might have been the best player on the field against Chile. Berhalter's star has continued to rise since the World Cup, and starting against Mexico will give him a chance to keep shining in a big moment.

Cavan Sullivan (AM)

While Pochettino will favor veterans against Mexico, he's going to throw Sullivan to the wolves. The now 17-year-old has looked the part over the last two games, so he should be ready. Sullivan doesn't lack when it comes to intensity and confidence, both of which will serve him well against Mexico.

Malik Tillman (AM)

His poor club form aside, Tillman continues to excel with the national team. He put together a strong performance as a starter against Peru, and should be back in the lineup against Mexico. Tillman is going to work hard and do some of the dirty work in the midfield, which will be critical against a quality opponent.

Mathis Albert (AM)

Just like Sullivan, Pochettino is going to test Albert with a start against Mexico. He hasn't started either game this window, but he's made an impact immediately after coming onto the field in both games. Not seeing the field at Borussia Dortmund this season has hurt his fitness. But if Albert is ready to play at least 45 minutes, Pochettino could give him the start.

Julian Hall (ST)

In just under 100 minutes of action over the first two games, Hall has two goals and an assist. That's more than enough to convince Pochettino to give him the start against Mexico. Similar to Sullivan and Albert, he's looked the part early in his USMNT career despite being a teenager. Of the three untested strikers on the roster, Hall has been the best, earning the start in Saturday's showdown.

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