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This is going to take some getting used to. A manager actually giving away some of his lineup isn’t something we were treated to often during the Jurgen Klinsmann era. However, Bruce Arena isn’t as secretive when it comes to his decision making.
Speaking with reporters in Chattanooga ahead of the USMNT’s final January camp friendly against Jamaica, Arena revealed that he will switch up his formation and his lineup on Friday night.
First he revealed that he’ll be switching to a two-striker formation. A change from the 4-2-3-1 set-up that was used in the dull scoreless draw against Serbia. Then he let it be known that at least three new faces will feature in the lineup:
Arena says he'll go with two forwards and a different midfield shape tomorrow vs Jamaica. Adds Villafana and Zimmerman will start. #usmnt
— Doug McIntyre (@DougMacESPN) February 2, 2017
Arena: Luis Robles will start in goal vs. Jamaica. Praises Rimando's performance in camp. #usmnt
— Doug McIntyre (@DougMacESPN) February 2, 2017
Walker Zimmerman and Jorge Villafana will step into the lineup along the backline, with the latter most assuredly replacing Greg Garza. Also, Luis Robles will get the nod in goal for this one after Nick Rimando was solid in a cleansheet performance on Sunday.
Personally, I’m most excited to see how Walker Zimmerman does. A highly touted U.S. youth national team player in his younger days, the FC Dallas defender faded away for a bit before having a breakout MLS season in 2016. He’s got the talent to insert his name into the center back depth chart if he does well tomorrow night.
Who are you looking forward to seeing? Which two strikers do you hope to see up top?