El Tri has been very disappointing in their 2024 Copa América campaign. So much so that they are on the cusp of elimination at the group stage. Last Word on Football reveals the Mexico predicted lineup vs Ecuador at State Farm Stadium for this vital Group B game.
Mexico Predicted 2024 Copa América Lineup vs Ecuador
How Mexico Have Lined Up Recently
Neither of Mexico boss Jaime Lozano’s two formations at Copa América have worked well. He used a 4-1-4-1 formation in the 1-0 defeat to Venezuela and a 4-2-3-1 previously, against Jamaica. El Tri’s defence, has, at least, looked pretty solid in the first two games.
Julio González should remain in goal for the game against La Tri. The defence is also likely to be unchanged. So, the full-backs should be Gerardo Arteaga and Jorge Sánchez. While in the centre of defence, César Montes and Johan Vásquez look a settled pairing.
Read More: Top 3 Takeaways from Mexico vs Venezuela
In both group games, Mexico’s midfield and attack haven’t been convincing. Despite Álvarez being out for the tournament, Lozano does have an experienced group of midfielders to choose from. Luis Romo will continue as the defensive midfielder, and Dynamo Moscow’s Luis Chávez will also be in midfield in an expected 4-2-3-1 formation.
Uriel Antuna may just about keep his place, with Orbelín Pineda given a start. Pineda will have the extra motivation to try and atone for his penalty miss against Venezuela. Alexis Vega may also start this time. Julián Quiñones and Carlos Rodríguez could be the two players omitted after playing against La Vinotinto. Vega would likely be part of a three behind striker Santiago Giménez, with Pineda and Antuna on the flanks.
Mexico’s Recent Form and Tactics
El Tri has lost three of their last four matches, and were unimpressive in the game they didn’t lose – against Jamaica. A 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-4-1 formation has been utilised in the Mexican’s last three games.
Read More: Three Key Takeaways from Mexico vs. Jamaica
Lozano is nothing if not flexible with his tactics. His 4-1-4-1 formation against Venezuela was likely influenced by the injury to captain Edson Álvarez.
The advantage of playing adaptable players such as Pineda and Vega is that Lozano can change his formation with the same personnel on the pitch. Pineda can drop into midfield and Vega can replace him out wide. Circumstances necessitate that Mexico must attack, whatever formation Lozano chooses. Because if Ecuador gain a draw they will qualify at El Tri’s expense.
Mexico Injuries to Consider
The Mexican camp is still dominated by the injury to Edson Álvarez, and his being ruled out for the rest of the tournament. Fortunately, for El Tri, there are no other serious injury concerns. Lozano does also have a lot of like-for-like replacements when and if injuries do occur. The one exception is Álvarez.
Mexico Predicted Lineup
GK – J. Gonzalez
RB – J. Sánchez
CB – Montes
CB – Vasquez
LB – Arteaga
DM – Romo
CM – Chavez
RW – Antuna
FW – Vega
ST – Gimenez
LW – Pineda
