Mexico

This is the most vertical Mexico team in some time, partly by Javier Aguirre's preference and partly because of the composition of a squad rich with talent in midfield and thin at the back. The base possession shape is a 4-3-3 that frequently stretches into a 4-1-4-1 or 4-5-1, allowing the midfielders ahead of Érik Lira to occupy advanced space and press industriously in tandem with the forward line. In line with this approach, several key positions on Aguirre's team sheet are largely resolved. Lira himself, as well as the CB pair of Johan Vásquez and César Montes, are undroppable. Resultantly, it's hard to see a starting place for Edson Álvarez, who has struggled with injuries and form, unless his condition improves rapidly. Raúl Jiménez's link-up play ability also makes him indispensable to Mexico's approach.

The 5-1 friendly rout of Serbia has posed some other selection challenges. Aguirre favourite Jorge Sánchez struggled and has a capable alternative available in Israel Reyes. Brian Gutiérrez looked like the best player on the pitch as a playmaker on the right wing. Luis Chávez made a strong case for the third spot alongside Lira and Álvaro Fidalgo, but in the midfield it's more a question of situation than form, Gilberto Mora and Obed Vargas are both excellent options as well. Raúl Rangel also looked shaky with Guillermo Ochoa lurking on the bench, but let's not get into that right now.