It has not been a dream start to the Rafa Marquez era.
The new Mexico manager, a legend of the team as a player in a past career, is still searching for his first victory after a 3-0 defeat to the rival United States. That came on the back of 1-1 draws with both Colombia and Peru.
The good news for Marquez is that the finale of this window against Chile produces a game that looks winnable. The bad news is that his options for the starting XI - and for in-game adjustments - are becoming more and more limited.
Watch Mexico vs. Chile on Fubo
Before the match against the U.S., the Mexican federation announced winger Hirving "Chucky" Lozano would miss out on the rest of the camp. Now, rising star Gilberto Mora has headed back to Club Tijuana rather than
risk an ankle issue getting worse. Chivas midfielder Luis Romo remains with the group but is also a doubt for Tuesday's friendly.
It's not just up front where the injury bug is hitting El Tri. Before the matches started, center back Cesar Montes had to pull out of the camp and head back to Russia. With left back Mateo Chavez unavailable after his red card against the U.S., the options are also more limited at the back.
Marquez so far has alternated between lineups heavy on veterans and giving young players a chance, but with a growing need for a good result, he may be forced to play a more experienced group than he'd like.
Here's how Marquez could set up his squad in search of the first victory since the 2026 World Cup:
Mexico projected starting lineup vs. Chile
Goalkeeper: Oscar Garcia
Defenders: Jorge Sanchez, Victor Guzmán, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo
Midfielders: Roberto Alvarado, Obed Vargas, Erik Lira, Orbelin Pineda
Forwards: Santiago Sandoval, Armando "Hormiga" Gonzalez
How to watch Mexico national team vs. Chile
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 6
- Where: LA Coliseum (Los Angeles, California)
- Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
- Channel/streaming: Univision (Watch LIVE on Fubo), TUDN USA, ViX (Watch on Prime Video)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mexico national team projected lineup vs. Chile: Can Marquez get first victory?
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