CONCACAF Nations League | Quarter-Finals | 1st Leg

Nov 15, 2024 at 1am UK

Independence Park

Jamaicavs.USA

Match preview

Jamaica are back in action on Friday, looking to build on their strong performance in the CONCACAF Nations League group stage. They advanced with an unbeaten record across September and October, and they're aiming to keep that streak alive in their quarter-final first leg.

With a new management team led by Steve McClaren and the goal of winning the first-ever piece of continental silverware, the Reggae Boyz finished at the top of Group B with eight points from their four matches. They drew with Cuba and then beat Honduras and Nicaragua 2-1 and 2-0, respectively, on the road.

Then last month, they had a home game against second-placed Honduras, and McClaren's team kept their top spot by playing to a 0-0 draw in Kingston.

That means they head into the latest round of international games with an unbeaten record under McClaren. Jamaica will now try to take the lead in their two-legged tie with a first victory over Friday's opponents since June 2019.

Meanwhile, their visitors are heading to Independence Park with the aim of continuing their five-year unbeaten streak against the Reggae Boyz, which has spanned seven games, including five victories.

The last time the USA and Jamaica met was in the last edition of the CONCACAF Nations League in March. The USA won the semi-final 3-1 after extra time. Cory Burke scored an own goal to level the scores, but Haji Wright scored two goals in the additional half-hour to win the game.

The Stars and Stripes went on to win the following final, taking the Nations League title for the third time thanks to a 2-0 win against Mexico, with goals from Tyler Adams and Giovanni Reyna.

After a disappointing showing at the Copa America in June and July, the USMNT turned to Mauricio Pochettino in September. The former Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea boss had a mixed start, with a 2-0 victory over Panama last month and a loss to Mexico by the same scoreline.

The USA are heading into their first competitive match under the new manager, and they'll be looking to build on their impressive record against Jamaica. If they can win next week's home leg, they'll be in a great position to reach the final four and win the CONCACAF Nations League.

Recent Performance

Jamaica CONCACAF Nations League form:DWWD

Jamaica form (all competitions):LLDWWD

USA form (all competitions):LLLDWL

Team News

Steve McClaren will field a similar Jamaica starting XI to the one which featured in the goalless draw with Honduras in their final group game last month. It looks like West Ham United forward Michail Antonio will again lead the line in a 4-2-3-1 setup.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid should start the game, supporting the attack with Tyreek Magee and Demarai Gray. Joel Latibeaudiere could play alongside Kasey Palmer in midfield.

Even though Di'Shon Bernard is also in the running, it looks like Mason Holgate will be back in the middle of a back four with Brentford's Ethan Pinnock.

The USA are without Norwich City striker Josh Sargent due to injury, while Haji Wright has not been called up to Mauricio Pochettino's latest squad. Despite this, they still have plenty of quality in their ranks.

With Sargent out, it looks like Ricardo Pepi will lead the line from the start, with support from Juventus' Timothy Weah and AC Milan's Christian Pulisic, who has scored 31 goals in 74 international games.

Aidan Morris will be hoping to keep his place in midfield, but he might have to make do with a substitute appearance behind Brenden Aaronson, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah.

Possible starting lineup

Jamaica possible starting lineup:

Blake; Lembikisa, Holgate, Pinnock, Leigh; Latibeaudiere, Palmer; De Cordova-Reid, Magee, Gray; Antonio

USA possible starting lineup:

Turner; Scally, Ream, Richards, Robinson; Musah, McKennie; Pulisic, Aaronson, Weah; Pepi