By Amanda Langell
Canada's lineup against Uruguay at Copa America 2024 might not feature their best player.
Coming into this summer's Copa America, Canada were not even projected to make it out of Group A. Jesse Marsch's side defied their critics, though, and advanced to the semi-finals. The Reds might have lost to Argentina, but they at least get to play in the competition's third place match against Uruguay for a chance to bring home some silverware in their first ever Copa America appearance.
On paper, Marsch's lineup will be out-classed by Uruguay's XI no matter who he decides to start. The manager will face an even bigger challenge on Saturday if Alphonso Davies is unfit to play after suffering a leg injury against Argentina.
Here's what Canada's starting XI could look like against Uruguay on July 13.
Canada predicted lineup vs Uruguay (4-4-2)
GK: Maxime Crepeau - Crepeau has conceded six goals this summer, but four were to Argentina.
RB: Alistair Johnston - Johnston has played all 450 minutes for Canada at Copa America 2024, and will certainly find himself on the right flank once again on Saturday.
CB: Moise Bombito - Bombito struggled against Argentina, but the center-back is still one of Jesse Marsch's most trusted players.
CB: Derek Cornelius - Cornelius will earn his eighth consecutive start at center-back for Canada under Marsch.
LB: Kamal Miller - Should Alphonso Davies be unfit to play against Uruguay, then Kamal Miller could get his first start of the tournament. Marsch could also play Richie Laryea at left-back, though, like he has in the past.
RM: Richie Laryea - Laryea has emerged as one of Marsch's most consistent players in the midfield, starting in Canada's last four matches.
CM: Ismael Kone - Kone was a bright spot in Canada's otherwise underwhelming performance against Argentina, and the midfielder will be relatively fresh against Uruguay after only playing 229 minutes this Copa America.
CM: Stephen Eustaquio - Eustaquio will make his 43rd appearance for his country on Saturday.
LM: Jacob Shaffelburg - Shaffelburg has emerged as Marsch's favored player on the left wing over Liam Millar, and for good reason; the Nashville SC player scored one of Canada's two goals in the tournament.
CF: Jonathan David - David lost the most duels against Argentina, and the Lille playmaker will look to put in a much better performance on July 13.
ST: Cyle Larin - Larin has had a lackluster tournament, but the striker could end his summer on a high if he manages to find his first goal of the tournament against Sergio Rochet.
This article was originally published on 90min.com as Canada predicted lineup vs Uruguay: Copa America 2024.
