Pochettino Sets Bold Challenge as USMNT Faces Saudi Arabia Test

The United States men's national soccer team continues their Gold Cup campaign on Thursday as they face Saudi Arabia.

Following an impressive win against Trinidad and Tobago, the team has broken their four-match winless run. While confidence hasn't been fully restored, it was an essential victory. Malik Tillman particularly shone, netting his maiden goals at the senior international level. This upcoming match could well decide who leads Group D, raising the importance significantly. Manager Mauricio Pochettino will be eager to see the positive momentum from their previous outing continue.

Given the significance of this encounter, Pochettino opts for a largely unchanged lineup, challenging his players to deliver and secure the USMNT's position at the summit of their group.

Here's how the Stars and Stripes' starting eleven might appear in this crucial Gold Cup fixture.

USMNT Predicted Lineup vs. Trinidad and Tobago (4-2-3-1)

GK: Matt Freese—The New York City FC goalkeeper secured a shutout and is set to retain his starting position. Another solid display could establish him as the first-choice keeper for the remainder of the tournament.

RB: Alex Freeman—The Orlando City defender receives another chance to make his mark given the team's limited defensive options.

CB: Chris Richards—Richards remains essential for providing stability at the heart of the defense throughout the summer.

CB: Mark McKenzie—McKenzie earns the starting role after Ream was featured in the Trinidad and Tobago match.

LB: Max Arfsten—Arfsten contributed two assists against the Soca Warriors and is expected to start again.

DM: Johnny Cardoso—Cardoso returns to the lineup as Pochettino looks to see any errors, such as his mistake against Turkey, corrected in this match.

DM: Luca de la Torre—De la Torre maintains his spot in the formation if Tyler Adams remains unavailable for selection.

RW: Jack McGlynn—The Houston Dynamo attacker performed well against Trinidad and Tobago, recording his second goal contribution of the tournament.

AM: Malik Tillman—Pochettino has repeatedly emphasized his preference for the number 10 position and its significance in his tactical approach. Following his brace in the last match, the role belongs to Tillman for the summer.

LW: Diego Luna—The Real Salt Lake winger continues on the left wing after providing assists for two of the USMNT's five goals.

ST: Patrick Agyemang—Agyemang found the net and is expected to spearhead the attack once more.