CONCACAF Cup Depth Chart: USA, Mexico primed for midfield battle

The prospect of a one-off encounter leaves Mexico and the United States particularly vulnerable to injury concerns. There is no way to make up for the potential absence of a key player or recover lost ground somewhere else down the line. It is either feature in this match or miss out entirely.

Andrés Guardado brought the situation into stark relief when he picked up a left ankle injury in PSV Eindhoven’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United earlier this month. His potential absence for the CONCACAF Cup playoff (live, Oct. 10, 8:30p.m. ET, FS1, FOX Sports GO) prompted considerable concern in Mexico ahead of the affair.

It did not take long for the FMF to respond. The federation dispatched physiotherapist Carlos Peçanha to the Netherlands to evaluate Guardado and facilitate the rehabilitation process for an injury expected to keep him out for 4-6 weeks. The ensuing -- and largely positive -- reports indicate Guardado might even recover in time to feature at the Rose Bowl.

It is a situation worth monitoring given the pitched battle expected in midfield. Both sides possess the quality to tip the scales in their favor in the center of the park. One absence could pave the way for a different course. It is the nature of the challenge ahead. And it is why Guardado -- and that troublesome left ankle -- is such an important part of the buildup as the match approaches.

UNITED STATES

Personnel: Flexibility is the key trait in the American midfield. Klinsmann often chooses four midfielders, but he tweaks their positioning depending on the demands of the game. The diamond in midfield is always an option to compensate for the lack of natural wingers in the squad, while the shape in central midfield varies between a flat two and a combination of a designated holding player and a more adventurous option in front of him. There is also latitude to sacrifice a forward to reinforce the efforts in the center of the park if necessary.

USA DEPTH CHART - MIDFIELD

Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones top the central midfield pecking order. U.S. captain Bradley is the first name on the teamsheet and the primary link to the front two, while Jones supplies passing range, nous and steel alongside him. Kyle Beckerman often features when Klinsmann opts for a conservative option in the back four. Beckerman’s positioning and tackling serve him well in that role, while his steady work in possession strengthens the Americans in that department. Joe Corona, Mix Diskerud, Alfredo Morales and Danny Williams all constitute alternatives in that department, while Alejandro Bedoya possesses the versatility to slide inside if necessary. Lee Nguyen is the primary alternative as a creative influence, but the presence of Clint Dempsey limits his opportunities.

Bedoya features regularly on either side of midfield. His astute, cultured work on the ball and his tireless running benefit the overall work considerably. Gyasi Zardes is the primary option on the left after spending most of this year transitioning to the international level. DeAndre Yedlin presents a fleet option on the right if Klinsmann opts for pace on both sides, while Graham Zusi is a more seasoned choice in that spot. Diskerud also features out wide from time to time.

Strengths: This group serves as the brisk conduit to propel the Americans forward on the break. Bradley and Jones serve as the hub of operations. Both players possess the application to close down the opposition quickly and the passing range to stretch the play vertically and switch the field when warranted. Bedoya complements those efforts by tucking inside at the right times to facilitate the play. Yedlin and Zardes inject genuine pace into the proceedings when picked, while Beckerman offers reliable cover in the center of the park.

Weaknesses: The emphasis on the counter leaves the Americans exposed when the opposition win possession. Bradley and Jones often leave space vacated through the middle in their quest to close down earnestly. If Beckerman is not selected, then the opposition can combine quickly when Bradley and Jones stray. Yedlin and Zardes compound the issues with their positioning issues when asked to defend. This group also labors in possession often and occasionally struggles to play the final ball (aside from Bradley’s clips over the top).

MEXICO

Personnel: Former boss Miguel Herrera often deployed three central midfielders during his time in charge, but interim manager Ferretti usually prefers to play four across his midfield. His setup usually includes a pair of traditional central midfielders -- one player willing to hold, one willing to shuttle -- with speedy wingers on either side. The selection issues in defense point toward four instead of three in this department.

MEXICO DEPTH CHART - MIDFIELD

The health of Andrés Guardado plays a critical role in forming those midfield plans. Guardado is the primary orchestrator of operations and the steadiest figure in the lot. He fits perfectly into a midfield three and slides seamlessly into his usual role on the left in a four-man midfield. His absence or inclusion shapes the selection process considerably.

Expect Ferretti to field at least one conservative player and one more advanced figure in the center of the park. José Juan Vazquez is the most likely option with Jonathan dos Santos out of favor under the new regime. Héctor Herrera is the most likely choice to partner Vazquez, though the FC Porto man can operate on the right as well. Javier Güemez, Luis Montes and Carlos Peña present possible alternatives, though the relentless Peña -- back in form for Club León after a difficult period -- has barely featured for El Tri since the World Cup.

There are several choices in the wide areas depending on how Ferretti plans to approach matters. Javier Aquino and Jesús Corona fit his template perfectly as fleet players capable of taking on fullbacks. Carlos Esquivel continues to impress in a Mexico shirt after breaking into the squad earlier this year, though he is not as quick as the other choices. Jurgen Damm is a favorite of Ferretti at Tigres and a promising prospect for the future, but this match might arrive too soon for him. Jesús Dueñas is also an option on the right if he makes the final 23-man roster.

Strengths: This group operates deftly in possession and poses a considerable threat on the break. Guardado dictates the tempo of the game and ensures El Tri move the ball quickly and efficiently. Guardado and Herrera boast the ability to combine menacingly and trouble defenses on and off the ball. Vazquez harries the opposition willingly and provides exactly the sort of cover required. The wide players offer the sort of pace and ambition required to unsettle opposing fullbacks.

Weaknesses: All of the time on the ball often peters out against entrenched opposition. This group often struggles to produce the final delivery -- either from crosses or throughballs -- necessary to break down defenses. Vazquez lacks dos Santos’ quiet efficiency in possession when picked as the deep-lying midfield option. As a group, there is a tendency to get stretched and lose shape when possession turns over. Part of the defensive issues stem from a dearth of protection afforded from midfield.

ADVANTAGE: TBD

Everything hinges on the availability of Guardado. If the PSV winger is able to feature at something resembling full strength, then Mexico is considerably stronger in this department. If he is not, then the Americans -- spurred forward by Bradley and Jones -- likely hold an edge.