It’s happening! Mauricio Pochettino is closer than ever to leading the USMNT into action for the very first time. After weeks of waiting, ardent fans will finally get to witness the rebirth of the Stars and Stripes under the new boss against Panama. However, with just hours until kick-off for the clash at Austin, Texas-based Q2 Stadium, many are keen to know how exactly will Pochettino line up his side.

Already, there was buzz surrounding the roster selection and we feel the Argentinian tactician did his best to choose his first-ever 25-player group. Now, in order to understand his starting XI selection, one might as well take a look at which group has been called up for the October window:

Goalkeepers: Matt Turner, Ethan Horvath, Zack Steffen, and Patrick Schulte.

Defenders: Marlon Fossey, Kristoffer Lund, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, and Auston Trusty.

Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson, Gianluca Busio, Tanner Tessmann*, Weston McKennie, Aidan Morris, Yunus Musah, and Malik Tillman.

Forwards: Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent, Haji Wright, Brandon Vazquez*, and Alex Zendejas*.

*Technically, this wasn’t the original squad as the forward duo of Folarin Balogun and Tim Weah, as well as midfielder Johnny Cardoso were ruled out, forcing Pochettino to call up Tanner Tessmann, Brandon Vazquez, and Alex Zendejas as replacements.

Additionally, the special mention also goes to players who couldn’t make it to this camp due to injury concerns including Sergino Dest, Cameron Carter Vickers, Chris Richards, Tyler Adams, and Gio Reyna. 

Now that we are familiar with the roster, let’s dig deeper at how Pochettino will line up his players by first taking the predicted lineups of the experts.

Alexi Lalas’ predicted lineup for USMNT vs Panama

The former USMNT forward was frantic enough to share his potential lineup that he might see Mauricio Pochettino use against Los Canaleros. Even though there are many forwards like Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright, Lalas still decided to keep Brenden Aaronson on the right wing. Certainly, an unusual position for the Leeds United star, even if he has no problem playing there thanks to his versatility.

Jimmy Conrad and Mike Grella’s predicted lineup for USMNT vs Panama

Looks like Jimmy Conrad and Mike Grella have played it safe in the back. Aside from adding Patrick Schulte, they snubbed Miles Robinson for Tim Ream. Things are almost the same for the center half of the pitch, except for a positive change—seeing Brenden Aaronson in the No. 10 spot, exactly where he wants to be. As for the attack, Pulisic and Sargent look solid as ever to start with Haji Wright given a chance.

We reckon this is exactly the kind of lineup that Pochettino must be thinking. However, we believe it still needs some adjustments. Let’s try the EssentiallySports way, shall we?

Another potential lineup for Mauricio Pochettino to consider!

This lineup from ES may look a bit familiar but hear us out. Firstly, we feel sad for Matt Turner, who you might not have witnessed in all these starting XI. Unfortunately, his domestic situation has something to do with it. Also, we can explain the omission of Mark McKenzie, who is perhaps guaranteed a start in the game. Yet, we are sure Poch will like to keep Ream in the mix alongside Miles Robinson.

Then again, who knows? Mauricio Pochettino’s lineup can be very different from all these three lineups. Regardless, only time will tell who are his first-ever chosen ones in his starting XI. Also, share your thoughts on the same.