PANAMA CITY — Juan Carlos Osorio will make changes to his lineup after Friday's 2-1 win over the United States, and not just because the Mexico coach nearly always makes switches and rotations.
Andres Guardado is injured and Carlos Vela is off to see the birth of his child. Carlos Salcedo, who came in as a substitute in Friday's triumph, is suspended from Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Panama after being sent off late against the U.S.
"For reasons that nobody could anticipate Carlos Salcedo, Carlos Vela and Andres Guardado won't be on the field," Osorio said. "It would be unfair for me to say which player who has gone would be the biggest absence. In the players' current form, we think all three are very important, as they were in the match against the United States."
How much will change? Goal takes a stab a three potential allginments that Osorio could use in Mexico's second match of the Hex:
CHANGING LITTLE
Osorio hinted that he may not make as many changes as might be expected from a man known for his player rotations. Here's our projection of what that could look like, with Giovani dos Santos moving to the right to play for Vela and Marco Fabian coming in on the left. The back line is unchanged from the U.S. game, while Jonathan dos Santos steps into the center of the midfield to replace Guardado.
This also is our only potential lineup that includes Alfredo Talavera, who was a bit shaky against the Americans and likely will make way for Guillermo Ochoa not because of his poor performance but because Osorio likes to play Talavera against teams that are strong in the air.
"The selections were made with several center backs who can play outside, also there are really good midfielders and going forward a well-covered position with the wingers that we have," Osorio said. "It's going to be difficult, but we've got players to replace the ones missing and can play a game and most importantly will play giving everything to contribute."
SWAP OUT THE PERSONNEL
Of course, with Panama's quick transitions from defense to attack, especially in midfield, Osorio may look to guard against that and switch things up. That could see Hector Herrera replaced by Jesus Duenas with Fabian on the left and Jona dos Santos in the middle. Osorio said after the United States game that Raul Jimenez would play a role in the future with the team, and though his wide play hasn't always been convincing with Mexico he could get the starting nod.
At the back, this lineup pushes Hector Moreno to left back and moves Miguel Layun to right, where Osorio likes to play the Porto fullback. Nestor Araujo steps in next to Rafa Marquez, while Ochoa taks over the goalkeeping duties.
THREE AT THE BACK
Osorio has said that when teams play with two forwards, Mexico is more likely to play a back four while teams that play a lone forward will see a back three. Against Honduras, Panama put Blas Perez up top as a lone forward, and Luis Tejada comes in carrying a knock. Gabriel Torres or Rolando Blackburn, who is red-hot with Saprissa, could play Tuesday.
But if it's Perez alone, this line of three with Reyes on the right (Hugo Ayala or Araujo also could play at right center back) could be what Osorio elects to do. Giovani dos Santos could be in a second striker role behind Chicharito with Layun and Duenas manning the lines on the outside to provide defensive support and service for Chicharito. Orbelin Pineda may get a look after Herrera's disappointing game Friday.
