USMNT predicted lineup to face Peru - Who does Mauricio Pochettino choose to start new cycle?

It’s a new era with a different roster, as Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT officially begin the 2030 World Cup cycle. The Americans are set to square off against Peru on Saturday afternoon in Orlando for the first of four friendlies in this international window. It’ll be the USMNT’s first game since losing to Belgium in the Round of 16 of the World Cup. With 13 uncapped players mixed with veterans from that World Cup squad, it’s anybody’s guess who Pochettino will have in the starting lineup. 

Predicted USMNT to face Peru

With Saturday’s game being a “Fan Appreciation Match” and the first since the World Cup, it’s reasonable to think that Pochettino will start mostly familiar faces from the World Cup. He may want to slowly introduce the young players, especially with four games during this window. That’s why fans should expect a veteran-laden starting 11 against Peru.

Chris Brady (GK)

As the third-stringer at the World Cup, Brady will get the first chance to make a statement in a crowded and confusing goalkeeper competition. Matt Freese would make conventional sense, but Pochettino may want to save his de facto No. 1 keeper for the Mexico game, making Brady the next-best option.

Alex Freeman (RCB)

The three-back format worked during the World Cup, so Pochettino has no reason to deviate at the moment. Freeman is the lynchpin of that formation because of everything he can do at the right center-back position. He’s also a core member of the team as we look at the next four years.

Chris Richards (CB)

It’s been a rough start to the Premier League season for Richards. But he did score a goal in Crystal Palace’s Europa League opener before helping them to a clean sheet last weekend. He’s also the best defender the USMNT has.

Auston Trusty (LCB)

Tim Ream is out of the picture, making the left center-back spot open for competition. Trusty is the natural replacement, so he’ll be the first to audition. He got some playing time at the World Cup and looks like the best left-footed center-back in the player pool, at least right now.

Sergiño Dest (RWB)

If the USMNT is going to play with wingbacks, there’s no better option on the right side than Dest. He’s only 25, making him a key part of Pochettino’s plans for the next four years, so he’ll likely start the first game of the new cycle.

Tyler Adams (CDM)

For the moment, it’s tough to envision the USMNT midfield without Adams. He’ll face plenty of competition in the years to come. But for the moment, the Bournemouth midfielder is the heartbeat of the midfield.

Sebastian Berhalter (CDM)

Pochettino has long been a fan of his predecessor’s son, which is technically an irrelevant detail, but something everyone thinks about. In any event, Berhalter got plenty of run during the World Cup and has seen his stock improve with a move to Middlesbrough over the summer, already becoming a key figure for one of the top teams in the English Championship. 

Antonee Robinson (LWB)

There’s no shortage of left-backs or left wingers in the player pool. However, none of them are anywhere close to taking Robinson’s job. For the foreseeable future, if Pochettino wants his best team on the field, Robinson will be part of it.

Gio Reyna (AM)

Thus far, Reyna’s move to Strasbourg is going well, including an early-season goal. He’s finally got some stability and regular playing time at club level, which should allow Reyna to shine and show consistency with the USMNT. He should be a big part of the next four years, so he’ll get the start against Peru.

Malik Tillman (AM)

Tillman is off to an inauspicious start at club level. His performances have been underwhelming, and he didn’t play at all last weekend. But we all know that Tillman brings his best when he suits up for the USMNT. After his heroics during the World Cup, it’s a safe bet that he’ll be starting this game.

Damion Downs (ST)

With Ricardo Pepi hurt, the USMNT doesn’t have a reliable starting striker this window. This is the one position that is toughest to predict. Either Justin Ellis or Julian Hall could easily get the start. But since Downs got some experience during the Gold Cup last summer, Pochettino will give him a chance to show what he can do.

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