By Neel Shelat
McClaren seeking to get the Reggae Boyz on tune
Former Manchester United assistant coach Steve McClaren has been answerable for Jamaica because the summer time. He has overseen 4 matches thus far, together with two wins, away in Honduras and Nicaragua, and two goalless attracts on house soil towards Cuba and the Hondurans.
The Reggae Boyz have been the clear favourites in every of these matches, so whereas these outcomes should not dangerous, they aren’t notably inspiring both. Certainly, Jamaica’s attacking play underneath McClaren has been subpar thus far given the standard in his squad, so he might want to repair that if his aspect are to advance.
The excellent news is that he’ll get some reinforcements by way of personnel. Most notably, star attacker Leon Bailey has accepted his call-up and may return to nationwide staff motion for the primary time in a couple of 12 months, having gone on a self-imposed exile after a fallout with the earlier head coach and federation. Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden will possible make his debut after finishing the method to change nationalities, however the suspended Michail Antonio will likely be a giant miss.
USMNT favourites with a robust head-to-head file
The USMNT have fairly a formidable file towards Jamaica, having misplaced on simply three events in 33 conferences. They’re unbeaten in aggressive motion since 2015, most not too long ago scoring a dramatic turnaround victory within the final Nations League semi-final.
Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure didn’t get off the most effective of begins as his aspect suffered a 2-0 defeat in Mexico within the final worldwide window, so he’ll goal to register his first away win answerable for the USMNT within the first leg of this quarterfinal. He was with out a good few key gamers final month, so this tie ought to give us a primary glimpse into what his first-choice line-up will truly appear like.
One facet that may possible stay up within the air is the striker place. The USMNT have persistently rotated between Folarin Balogun, Josh Sargeant and Haji Wright of late, however all three of them are out injured on this window. So, PSV striker Ricardo Pepi will possible lead the road, whereas one of many three Mexico-based forwards – specifically Chivas’ Cade Cowell, Monterrey’s Brandon Vázquez and Membership América’s Alejandro Zendejas – might effectively be a part of Christian Pulisic and Timothy Weah if Pochettino makes use of a entrance 4.
Prediction
The USMNT’s superior squad high quality and head-to-head file means they should be the clear favourites for this tie. Each side have comparatively new coaches and are bringing some new gamers into the combination, so their performances might effectively develop into somewhat disjointed – notably within the first leg.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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