USA vs. Mexico Soccer 2017: Prediction, TV Channel, Start Time, Probable Lineups For World Cup Qualifying

GettyImages-694615424 — US national football team players take part in a training session ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Mexico at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Getty

Two CONCACAF powers meet Sunday night when the U.S. faces Mexico in a World Cup qualifying match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Both sides are coming off home wins last week, with first-place Mexico defeating Honduras, 3-0, and while third-place U.S. held off Trinidad and Tobago, 2-0.

The U.S. team has had well-chronicled struggles at Azteca, a stadium with a capacity over 87,000 and in a city with an elevation of approximately 7,200 feet. In their last 11 visits, the U.S. has a paltry 1-8-2 record and 0-5-2 record in World Cup qualifiers. In March 2013, the U.S. was successful in leaving with a 0-0 result.

There might be reason for optimism that the Yanks can come away with a point. The U.S. is coming back from the high elevation of Sandy, Utah, to face Mexico on the road, something midfielder Michael Bradley was quick to note.

“We did this last time,” said Bradley, referring to the March 2013 match. “We followed a game here with a game at Azteca. We feel good about the 10 days of preparation. Now it’s just about enjoying the next few days. They’re big games, with a lot on the line, and we’re excited.”

Mexico head coach Juan Carlos Osorio has tough decisions to make for his 4-3-3 starting lineup, but is expected to go with attack-minded starters. Giovani dos Santos, Raul Jimenez and Jesus "Tecatito" Corona seem like they have strong chance to start.

The U.S. is expected to counter-attack with a mostly defensive lineup. Geoff Cameron and John Brooks seem certain to be locked in central defense for the Yanks. Veteran goalkeeper Tim Howard should get the nod over Brad Guzan.

Another certain starter for Bruce Arena is teenaged sensation Christian Pulisic. The Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder had a brace for the U.S. against Trinidad and Tobago and at the moment looks clearly like the best player on the roster. Pulisic, 18, has already scored seven goals in 15 matches.

The U.S. have a tough task ahead of them. Mexico, after barely qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, looks in top form this time around with a healthy and hungry roster. El Tri has been dominant at home in both qualifying and other competitions this year.

Prediction: Mexico 0 - 0 United States

Probable lineups

Mexico

G: Ochoa

D: Alanis, D. Reyes, L. Reyes, Salcedo

M: G. Dos Santos, J. Dos Santos, Herrera

F: Jimenez, Corona, Vela

U.S.

G: Howard

D: Villafana, Brooks, Cameron, Yedlin

M: Dempsey, Bradley, Johnson, Pulisic, Nagbe

F: Altidore