GOAL takes a look at how the U.S. could line up against El Tri on Thursday night.
Talk about being thrown right into it. B.J. Callaghan's first game as the U.S. men's national team interim coach? A Nations League semifinal against Mexico. The stakes don't get much higher than that, now do they?
That does add a layer to it all, though. We generally knew what to expect from a Gregg Berhalter-coached team. We came to know what to expect from an Anthony Hudson-coached team during his few months in charge. Callaghan, though? It remains to be seen.
Does he stick with Berhalter's 4-3-3, or does he go with the 4-2-3-1 Hudson turned in the last round of the Nations League? Does he make any big change stylistically to add his own flavor, or does he stick with what this team has done so well through the last four or so years?
That isn't the only question, though. The big one revolves around one player: Folarin Balogun. Does the newly-committed striker get thrown right into the lineup for his debut, or does it make sense to ease him in by giving Ricardo Pepi the start?
GOAL takes a look at what lineup Callaghan should go with for Thursday night's semifinal:
GettyGK: Matt Turner
These will be important minutes once again for Turner, who hasn't really had much to do at Arsenal over the last six months. Because of that, every start takes on extra importance, especially ones in big games like this.
Turner's first-choice status is beyond doubt as Sean Johnson is very much a backup and Drake Callender almost certainly isn't being handed a debut in a semifinal against Mexico. So, yeah, Turner it is.
AdvertisementImago ImagesLB: Antonee Robinson
Another player that is basically locked in, Jedi remains the go-to left-back.
Of the two World Cup fullbacks, his spot is significantly more secure, so, while Joe Scally may be lurking as an option on either side, he likely won't be taking the Fulham star's starting spot any time soon.
Because of that, Robinson is a safe bet to start, providing experience and danger on the left-hand side.
Getty ImagesCB: Miles Robinson
It's been two years since Robinson's famous Gold Cup-winner against Mexico and, unfortunately, we haven't seen enough of him since.
His 2022 was ruined by an Achilles injury, which kept him out of the World Cup, but the Atlanta United star is back to his old ways again after a few months of MLS play.
When healthy, it's arguable that he's the best centerback in the pool. Because of that, and his history against Mexico in a big game, he's in.
GettyCB: Walker Zimmerman
It could be tempting to play Auston Trusty or Chris Richards here to give them the big-game experience, but Zimmerman is the steady hand here.
If a permanent coach were in place, maybe we'd see a younger guy get thrown to the wolves, but Callaghan is an interim job, and his job is simply to win. Zimmerman is the guy that gives the U.S. the best chance to do just that, so he's the likely starter.