Starting 11 prediction for Mexico vs. Canada

PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 10: The national soccer team of Mexico poses before the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Qualifier at Rose Bowl on October 10, 2015 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jonathan Moore/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - OCTOBER 10: The national soccer team of Mexico poses before the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Qualifier at Rose Bowl on October 10, 2015 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jonathan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Six points are on the line in the next five days in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying in the clash of Mexico vs. Canada.

Last October the Mexican Federation made a swift move to hire Juan Carlos Osorio to be the next head coach of the Mexican National Team. Many were curious as to how this would go and now after a trio of friendly matches the real games have arrived.

On March 25th and 29th Mexico will face Canada in a pair of home and home matches in fourth qualifying round. The first match will be played on the 25th in Vancouver, Canada and the second on the 29th from Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

Related Story: Mexico reveals World Cup Qualifying roster

It was a week ago when Osorio made his selections for this pair of matches and many eyes would be locked in to see who would be on the 24-man roster and eventually who would take part as the starting 11 for this all important game.

With new uniforms, seemingly a new roster and a new coach Mexico now ventures out to take on CONCACAF for the right to go to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Let’s take a look at how the starting 11 might look against Canada.

Colombian Juan Carlos Osorio wears the Mexican National football team jacket during a press conference in Mexico City on October 14, 2015. Osorio was announced as the new coach of the Mexican National football team. AFP PHOTO/OMAR TORRES (Photo credit should read OMAR TORRES/AFP/Getty Images)
Colombian Juan Carlos Osorio wears the Mexican National football team jacket during a press conference in Mexico City on October 14, 2015. Osorio was announced as the new coach of the Mexican National football team. AFP PHOTO/OMAR TORRES (Photo credit should read OMAR TORRES/AFP/Getty Images) /

Juan Carlos Osorio by many estimations will run out against Canada in a 4-3-3 formation. It’s interesting as the collection of players he has at his disposal are different from what we’ve seen in the past. There’s a tendency to think he wants a more creative and athletically electrifying roster of players who will run, make cuts and move the ball at a rapid pace. Oh, and by the way be very aggressive on the attack while finding opportunities on the counter attack.

Mexico vs. Canada - Football tactics and formations
Mexico vs. Canada - Football tactics and formations /

As we analyze the image the 4-3-3 formation might look something like this. Talavera in-goal with four players back including, Miguel Layun, Hector Moreno, Diego Reyes and Paul Aguilar. As you see below, you will see Layun and Aguilar take up the wings and provide speed and another option along the sidelines.

Defensive Tactics
Defensive Tactics /

The midfield with Hector Herrera, Andres Guardado and Rafa Marquez, provides some thought. If Marquez were to start he would be in a defensive midfield position. Many times in international matches we’ve seen Marquez become a hybrid midfielder despite his natural position being center back. His willingness and trust from teammates makes him extremely useful in this role. Additionally, having two midfielders like Guardado and Herrera make for a valuable thing to watch in these matches.

Offensive Tactics
Offensive Tactics /

Meanwhile, for the trio up front expect a heavy dose of Corona, Fabian and Hernandez. Chicharito will be like a heat seeking missile looking for the ball every time it’s put into the box. The speed and ability on the wings has been something that Mexico has lacked under other leadership. There’s a popular vote that many want to see Isaac Brizuela get a go in one of these games due to his exciting ability to play.

Related Story: Canada Soccer names roster for upcoming matches with Mexico

Only Osorio knows how this formation and lineup will shape up, but it’s intriguing to go through and analyze how the formation might look like both on paper and on the field.