Will Matt Turner Play Tonight vs Uruguay? Expected Starting Lineups, Injury Updates, Live Streaming & TV Channels for Copa America Decider

The United States Men’s National Team’s hopes for the 2024 Copa America are hanging by a thread. Tonight’s fixture against Group C toppers Uruguay is not just their final group stage match, but it can actually be their very last match of the CONMEBOL-based competition. The challenge takes a double-fold for the host nation as questions have not yet been answered as to whether their star player Matt Turner will be playing today at the Arrowhead Stadium.

Uruguay has been on a perfect roll so far. After a 3-1 win over Panama, they thrashed Bolivia 5-0 to retain their place at the top with 6 points in hand. Meanwhile, for the USA, things looked great following their 2-0 victory over Bolivia. However, they lost their subsequent matchday against Panama 2-1. With this, Gregg Berhalter and Co. are sitting at second with three points, narrowly above Panama, who are third with the same points but are separated by just a goal difference.

Therefore, a win is a must for USMNT. If they lose or draw, then, the Star and Stripes shall count on Bolivia to upset Panama. Otherwise, it’s game over and a major heartbreak for America.

Will Matt Turner play tonight? Injury updates for USMNT vs Uruguay

USMNT: The biggest question that is in the minds of ardent American fans is regarding the presence of Matt Turner. During the clash against Panama, he collided with rival player, Cesar Blackman, just 10 minutes into the match, with the goalkeeper’s left leg striking the opposing star’s right knee. Following the match, Turner revealed that he is unsure if the knock sustained would let him play against Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Yet, the latest reports suggest that he was seen training with the whole group, meaning that he could play. After all, the goalkeeper doesn’t have to play with much intensity compared to the other 10. Therefore, Berhalter may decide to risk him by using another goalie against a formidable side like Uruguay is a risk. Then again, even though there are assertions from revered pundits and journalists who claim that it’s unlikely he will start the match, it’s not deemed impossible.  

Meanwhile, the only key absence remains of youngster Tim Weah, who is serving his red card suspension he got in the previous fixture. While the rest are no concern, Berhalter can make a few changes from the previous lineup with Tyler Adams touted to be one of them.

Uruguay: Ronald Araujo is the man who remains a doubt for Uruguay. The center-back had sustained a knock in the previous fixture but still, he managed to complete the whole game. Since a win, lose, or draw doesn’t matter, he can be given a rest. Yet, the final call will be made if the Barcelona defender feels good.

Interestingly, missing from the dugout will be Marcelo Bielsa. The former Leeds United man is serving a suspension after his side kicked off the halftime late in the previous fixture. The punishment also came with a fine for the Uruguay national team.

Prediction

USMNT expected lineup (4-3-3): Turner; Scally, Richards, Ream, A. Robinson; McKennie, Musah, Reyna; Aaronson, Balogun, Pulisic

Uruguay expected lineup (4-2-3-1): Rochet; Nandez, R. Araujo, Olivera, Olaza; Ugarte, Valverde; Pellistri, De Arrascaeta, M. Araujo; Nunez

Though USMNT enters Matchday 3 with a must-win situation, it’s unlikely they would be able to fulfill the challenge unless a miracle happens. In just two matches, Uruguay have proved that they are in this tournament for the long haul. Berhalter’s side won’t be able to face the pressure of an offensive La Celeste. Instead, they shall cross their fingers to see Bolivia showcase their magic against Panama.

We reckon the score will be USMNT 1-4 Uruguay.

How to watch and live-stream USMNT vs Uruguay Copa America 2024?

Fans in the United States can catch the action live on channels like FS1, TUDN USA, and Univision. The live stream can be watched on Fubo, Fox Sports app/website, TUDN app/website, Univision Now, and ViX. Meanwhile, UK fans can watch Uruguay vs USMNT on Premier Sports 1 and live stream on Premier Sports Player.