Cruz Azul vs Orlando City’s possible lineups for the 2024 Leagues Cup Round of 16

Blue Cross and Orlando City They will be measured next Friday, August 9th at the Exploria Stadium for the round of 32 of the Leagues Cup 2024.

The coach of La Máquina, the Argentine Martin Anselmihas almost all of its squad ready to face the American team, even the youth players joined in Mateo Levy and Amaury Moraleswho were with the Mexican U-20 team in it CONCACAF Pre-World Cup. Thus, the two injured players remain absent. Carlos Vargas and the Uruguayan Gabriel Fernandezwho despite their condition, were added to the official roster for the championship.

On the other hand, the strategist of the Lionsthe Colombian Oscar Couplewas happy to be able to receive the Celestes on their court, while the Argentine defender Rodrigo Schlegel He highlighted the mentality of the group, as for the last four and a half years they have had a style of play that characterizes them, always seeking prominence, something that is sometimes noticeable, but other times not. Those from Florida will not have the right back Kyle Smith by expulsion.

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Goalkeeper: Kevin Mier – The Colombian is the cement security lock, so it is always called to be a differential.

Defense: Willer Ditta – The other coffee grower in the group has also become a regular in the starting eleven, as he has gradually managed to earn the respect and trust of the fans.

Defense: Gonzalo Piovi – It was clear from his arrival that he was a man the coach trusted, as he only misses games if he is suspended or injured.

Defense: Erik Lira – The departure of Carlos Salcedo It seems that he has not had much impact on the blue team, since last semester the coaching staff began to enabl
e the Puma youth player as a center back and he has fulfilled his role.

Right back: Jorge Sanchez – As expected. So much searching for the defender was because he was going to be kept in mind so as not to leave the right wing, where he knows very well how to join in.

Left back: Carlos Rotondi – It is true that his best form will always be as a winger, but the coach has known how to give importance to the Argentine regardless of whether he starts his attack from defense.

Pivot: Luis Romo – It could also appear here Erik Lira because the Sinaloa native has occupied the central position, but on this occasion he could return to that position where he shone the most. However, the big question will be whether Charly Rodriguez will be a starter or not.

Midfielder: Lorenzo Faravelli – The other man who Martin Anselmi wanted to bring in a player from his previous team to help him build a great group. The Argentine has responded with great confidence in the midfield.

Midfielder: Ignacio Rivero – The all-rounder of the group who can play in defence, midfield and forward. The Uruguayan would appear to be accompanying in the midfield for the creation of plays.

Forward: Alexis Gutierrez – Accustomed to seeing him a few meters below, he would have a function of false ‘9’ to accompany the goalkeeper. It seems unlikely that Angel Sepulveda either Uriel Antuna go to the beginning.

Forward: Giorgios Giakoumakis – The Greek was well received by the sky blue team, as he has responded with goals in both Liga MX, but he needs to be more forceful in this tournament, where he already knows most of the teams after his time at Atlanta United.

This is how Cruz Azul’s possible lineup would look (5-3-2):

Goalie: Kevin Mier
Defenses: Gonzalo Piovi, Willer Ditta, Erik Lira, Jorge Sánchez, Carlos Rotondi
Midfielders: Nacho Rivero, Luis Romo, Lorenzo Faravelli
Forwards: Alexis Gutiérrez, Giorgos Giakoumakis
Substitutes: Andres Montano, Andres Gudiño, Camilo Candido, Charly Rodriguez, Mateo Levy, Uriel Antuna, Angel Sepulveda, Amaury Garcia, Amaury Morales, Luis Jimenez, Jorge Garcia, Raymundo Rubio, Bryan Gamboa

The most emblematic figures of the Florida team are the Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallesean old acquaintance of the Liga MX after passing through Veracruzas well as his compatriot Wilder Cartagenawhich takes place in the midfield. The dangerous man is the Uruguayan Facundo Torresbut the Colombian should also be closely followed Ivan Angulo and to the Uruguayan Nicolas Lodeirowho stand out for being good assistants.

This is what Orlando City’s possible lineup (4-3-3) would look like:

Goalie: Pedro Gallese
Defenses: Robin Jason, Rodrigo Schlegel, Dagur Thorhallsson, Rafael Santos
Midfielders: Martin Ojeda, Wilder Cartagena, Cesar Araujo
Forwards: Ramiro Enrique, Ivan Angulo, Facundo Torres
Substitutes: Nicolás Lodeiro, Duncan McGuire, Jeorgio Kocevski, David Brekalo, FelipeMartins, Yutaro Tsukada, Javier Otero, Alexander Freeman, Luis Muriel, Colin Guske

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