USA v Paraguay: Line-ups, stats and preview

Preview for USA v Paraguay

Opportunity knocks for Gio Reyna tomorrow as the Borussia Monchengladbach winger makes his long-awaited return to the US squad for the friendly with Paraguay in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Reyna was a surprise inclusion for the game with Gustavo Alfaro’s men and next week’s test against Uruguay after failing to make an impact for his German club this season.

The 22-year-old, whose career has been derailed by injuries, has failed to register a goal or assist for Monchengladbach this season and played just 146 minutes across all competitions.

He hasn’t played a full game since March 2022.

Bar a 21-minute cameo for the US against Canada in the Concacaf Nations League third-place match in March, he hasn’t been a consideration for the national team either.

Yet, he was recalled for this doubleheader and, most likely, is entering last-chance saloon as far as his World Cup hopes go.

Reyna was almost sent home from the 2022 World Cup due to a poor attitude, sparking a very public falling out between then USA coach Gregg Berhalter and Claudio Reyna, Gio’s father and former USMNT midfielder.

USA boss Mauricio Pochettino is happy to let bygones be bygones, however, and won’t be swayed by what happened in the past.

He told Fox Sports: “Gio is a young guy who is talented. We cannot say that this guy or another needs to disappear because he didn’t behave. We always need to give the chance. But at the same time, they need to show what we expect from them.  

“Sometimes you can be surprised. Because people sometimes need to know what to do. Sometimes players behave badly because we [coaches], as leaders, didn’t make clear what we expect. But now it’s up to them. I don’t care about what happened in the past. I think it’s important to provide opportunity to everyone.”

The US come into the game on the back of a three-game unbeaten run following wins over Asian powerhouses Japan and Australia and a draw with Ecuador.

Paraguay have qualified for the World Cup after finishing sixth in the Conmebol section.

Team News for USA v Paraguay

Christian Pulisic was not called up due to a hamstring injury but instead played, and scored, for AC Milan in a friendly against Virtus Entella earlier today.

Tyler Adams, Sean Zawadzki, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson and Timothy Weah are also absent for various reasons.

Paraguay centre-half Omar Alderete is unlikely to be risked. The Sunderland defender has missed their last three Premier League games after sustaining a concussion against Wolves.

Predicted line-ups for USA v Paraguay

USA: Freese; M Robinson, McKenzie, Ream; Freeman, Tessmann, Roldan, Arfsten; Reyna, Luna, Balogun

Paraguay: Gil; Benítez, Gustavo Gomez, Leon, Alonso; Bobadilla, Ojeda; Cuenca, Diego Gomez, Almiron; Martinez

How to watch USA v Paraguay: TV and online streams

The United States versus Paraguay kicks off at 5pm ET tomorrow. It will be broadcast live on TNT with English commentary. Spanish commentary can be found on Telemundo and Universo.

You can stream it on HBO MAX with English commentary and Peacock with Spanish commentary. 

Stats for USA v Paraguay

• The USA have won their last two games against Paraguay
• Paraguay have won just one of their last five games

Prediction for USA v Paraguay