USA vs. Portugal lineup predictions: Should Alex Morgan begin?

Editor2

July 31, 2023

USA vs. Portugal lineup predictions: Should Alex Morgan begin?

[ad_1]

United States women’s national team coach Vlatko Andonovski has all of the strain to search out the suitable mixture of gamers to convincingly beat Portugal on Tuesday (protection begins at 1 a.m. ET, with kickoff at 3 a.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app) and advance as the highest staff in Group E.

Carli Lloyd’s projected USWNT Starting XI vs. Portugal

The group that began the second half of the United States’ match in opposition to the Netherlands on Wednesday — led by Rose Lavelle — seemed sharp, nevertheless it wasn’t capable of benefit from the momentum swing and are available away with all three factors.

Is Andonovski one change away from figuring it out, or does the present beginning lineup want time?

We requested FOX Sports’ soccer analysts to choose their first XI for the USWNT’s group-stage finale — this is who they went with:

Carli Lloyd: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher
Defenders: Crystal Dunn, Julie Ertz, Naomi Girma, Kelley O’Hara
Midfielders: Andi Sullivan, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle
Forwards: Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Lynn Williams

Lynn Williams wants to start out. She ought to begin off on the suitable. Put Sophia Smith within the 9 place, Trinity on the left. Reason being two issues, the press — the excessive press that I really feel that the U.S. ought to have and do — Lynn brings that. She brings that dynamic capability, the starvation.

Second factor is width. There’s not sufficient width that is being proven within the video games, and I feel having Trinity out on the left, Lynn out on the suitable and Sophia Smith, capable of pop in, in entrance of the again line or get into the again line. I feel that that will be key.

I’m taking Alex Morgan out. She’s finished properly, she’s occupied the middle again, she’s dragged and pulled gamers out, however I really feel just like the three up high have been very slim.

— Lloyd

“Lynn Williams needs to start” — Carli Lloyd discusses changes for USWNT vs. Portugal

Laken Litman: 4-3-3

Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher
Defenders: Crystal Dunn, Julie Ertz, Naomi Girma, Emily Fox
Midfielders: Andi Sullivan, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle
Forwards: Trinity Rodman, Alex Morgan, Sophia Smith

Vlatko Andonovski has gone with the identical beginning 11 in each video games thus far. However, the matchup in opposition to Portugal is extra dire — a decisive win with a number of objectives seemingly means the USWNT wins the group and avoids a difficult round-of-16 matchup vs. Sweden.

I feel he sticks with the identical gamers, besides he provides Rose Lavelle. This ought to assist the U.S. get off to a sooner begin.

— Litman

Doug McIntyre: 4-3-3

U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski rolled with similar lineups in his staff’s first two group stage video games, and he has advised that he desires to present his starters sufficient time to gel.

So aside from inserting Rose Lavelle — who, after getting back from a three-month harm layoff, was used as a second half sub in opposition to Vietnam and the Netherlands — rather than fellow central midfielder Savannah DeMelo, I feel Andonovski sticks with the identical set of gamers in opposition to Portugal.

— McIntyre

“This is a must win” — Carli Lloyd and Alexi Lalas focus on changes the USWNT must make vs. Portugal

"This is a must win" — Carli Lloyd and Alexi Lalas discuss adjustments the USWNT needs to make vs. Portugal

Martin Rogers: 4-3-3

As you had been, USWNT. Kind of. Vlatko Andonovski is aware of his most popular lineup and there’s no motive to veer from it now. With the potential for a purpose differential battle on the horizon, beginning Rose Lavelle, whose second-half introduction in opposition to the Netherlands labored so successfully, is all that’s wanted.

Let’s overlook about all this nonsense about wholesale modifications. They’re not required.

The Americans weathered the storm in opposition to one of many hardest groups they’re more likely to face, tailored in actual time, and had been the stronger staff by the tip. Just as a result of the USA has the deepest squad on the World Cup isn’t a motive for rotation for the sake of it. Go with the very best of what you’ve bought.

— Rogers

FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports expertise