The United States women's national team is set for a two-match showdown with Spain, with the first game taking place Saturday, Oct. 10 ahead of a Tuesday, Oct. 13 rematch.
It's the final game the U.S. will play before a Concacaf W Championship quarterfinal against El Salvador, a match that will see the U.S. qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil if it is able to beat La Selecta.
U.S. manager Emma Hayes called in a strong group but already has had to make a number of injury replacements, with center back Naomi Girma and Sam Coffey both replaced on the roster.
Still, Hayes has plenty of options as she puts together her lineup to meet La Roja, even if there are questions at a handful of important spots.
Watch USA vs. Spain on Peacock
The left
winger position could be up for grabs, with Ashley Sanchez earning a recall as she continues to score goals from the spot for the North Carolina Courage. There is competition in the middle, with 19-year-old Lily Yohannes pushing to earn a start in her native Washington, D.C. And with injuries at the back, there is a big chance for a center back − and a left back − to state a case to become a regular as official matches approach.
Hayes also will want to get a look at nearly every player called in, as she did with the Americans' most recent matches in Brazil.
Here's how the reigning gold medalists may line up against the reigning world champions:
USWNT potential starting lineup vs. Spain
Goalkeeper: Claudia Dickey
Defenders: Emily Fox, Tara Rudd, Tierna Davidson, Gisele Thompson
Midfielders: Lindsey Heaps, Claire Hutton, Rose Lavelle
Forwards: Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson, Ashley Sanchez
USA vs. Spain channel, start time, streaming
- When: Saturday, Oct. 10
- Where: Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
- Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
- Channel/streaming TBS (Watch LIVE on Sling), Telemundo (Watch LIVE on Fubo), HBO Max, Universo, Peacock (WATCH HERE)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USWNT projected starting lineup vs. Spain: Who will Emma Hayes pick in the middle?
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