USA
There is a lot of expectation on the collective shoulders of the USA heading into this opener with Pochettino settling on a core of Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie. Folarin Balogun and Haji Wright both arrive in strong club form, giving Pochettino options at the top of his preferred 4-3-3. Tim Ream captains a defence that will be tested by Paraguay's directness, with Chris Richards alongside him at centre-back. The home support at SoFi Stadium should provide energy, but Pochettino has experimented heavily with formations and that lack of cohesion is a slight concern. I expect the USA to start brightly and try to put the game to bed early.
Predicted Lineup: Turner; Dest, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Adams, McKennie; Reyna, Pulisic, Weah; Balogun.
Paraguay
Paraguay are the most improved side in South America since Alfaro took charge, with a compact 4-4-2 built to frustrate stronger opponents and counter through Miguel Almiron and Julio Enciso. Captain Gustavo Gomez anchors the back four alongside Omar Alderete, and the squad is fit with no major injuries reported. Antonio Sanabria leads the line and offers a focal point for direct play. I think they will sit in a mid-block, try to draw the USA forward and then strike on the break, particularly through Almiron from the left.
Predicted Lineup: Fernandez; Caceres, G. Gomez, Alderete, Riveros; Gonzalez, Bobadilla, D. Gomez, Almiron; Enciso, Sanabria.
