Preview
- Tournament: Friendlies
- Date: Tuesday, Sep 10
- Kick-off Time: 11:00 pm GMT
- Venue: TQL Stadium, USA
It is just no ordinary international friendly, but a game of revival when the USA hosts New Zealand next at the TQL Stadium. Both teams are coming from heavy defeats, with the USA having a losing streak to break.
The USA under their new interim coach Mikey Varas are yet to win a game. The side lost by whiskers in their last three fixtures, and will be looking for a fresh start with a win to begin with in this fixture.
New Zealand were riding high in the OFC Nations Cup but were trampled in the last game where they faced Mexico. However, their good form doesn’t make them the favourites in this fixture, as the USA as opponents are multiple times stronger than them.
Team News
USA national football team news
USA national football will continue to miss star players Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson, Sergino Dest, and Tim Weah, owing to injuries. Replacing Dest and Tyler will be the biggest challenge for Mikey Varas.
New Zealand national football team news
The New Zealand national football team are here with a fresh squad, with no major injury concerns. The side is also completely different from the one they had in June, with just three players maintaining their spots – Liberato Cacace, Kosta Barbarouses, and Ben Old.
USA vs New Zealand Predicted Lineups
USA national football team predicted lineup:
Turner (GK); Scally, Trusty, Richards, Lund; Musah, Morris, Tillman; Sargent, Pepi, Pulisic
New Zealand national football team predicted lineup:
Crocombe (GK), Payne, Boxall, Tuiloma, Cacace; Rufer, Stamenic; Barbarouses, Waine, Just; Wood
Head-to-Head
The two sides have faced off only two times in the past, with the USA winning one of those games. New Zealand are yet to win a game against the Americans, as the only other game ended in a draw.
Last matches result:
USA 1-1 New Zealand – International Friendlies- October 12, 2016
USA 2-1 New Zealand – International Friendlies – June 8, 2003
Key Players to Watch out for
Christian Pulisic (USA)
The 25-year-old “Captain America” was faring well in the Serie A prior to the international break. He will be leading the side in this fixture and will be shelved with responsibilities to shine and earn Varas his first win as USA coach.
The USA No. 10 has been the country’s biggest star, with 30 goals and 18 assists in his 72 matches. Pulisic will be expected to operate as a playmaker and winger with several goals in mind.
Liberato Cacace (New Zealand)
The young left-back will be the pivot of New Zealand’s defence in this game. His apt tackles and duels against Pulisic might dictate the wimps of this game. Also, he will be expected to make a few runs from the left flank with missions of good crosses to cater to the forwards.
USA vs New Zealand Prediction
The USA vs New Zealand tie is expected to be an interesting one. While hosts USA boasts quality, and better skills, New Zealand have a side running fine, in good form. On paper USA are the overwhelming favourites to pull this fixture but their poor form might be disappointing.
However, leaving everything aside, the USA national football team are expected to have an easy win over New Zealand, playing at home.
Predicted Score: USA 3-1 New Zealand
Where to Watch USA vs New Zealand Live?
FAQs
Q. When is USA vs New Zealand?
The USA vs New Zealand game will be played on 10th September at the TQL Stadium.
Q. What is the predicted lineup for USA vs New Zealand?
The predicted lineup for USA vs New Zealand is as follows:
USA – Turner (GK); Scally, Trusty, Richards, Lund; Musah, Morris, Tillman; Sargent, Pepi, Pulisic
New Zealand- Crocombe (GK), Payne, Boxall, Tuiloma, Cacace; Rufer, Stamenic; Barbarouses, Waine, Just; Wood
Q. What is the head-to-head record for USA vs New Zealand?
Both USA and New Zealand have played in only two games. USA has one win, one ended in a draw while New Zealand have won none.
Q. Where to watch USA vs New Zealand for free?
The USA vs New Zealand game will be available on Fubo for free.