The head coaches of Costa Rica and Uruguay are very close to deciding on a starting lineup for Saturday's first leg of the CONCACAF/CONMEBOL playoff. Simões and Tabárez are going to play things close to their vests, with closed training sessions. But barring suspension or injury, both teams are going to go with the same XI that were on the field in the previous two or three qualifiers.
According to reports, Costa Rica are almost certain to play something close to a 3-5-2, with the same players in goal and in the fullback and forward positions. Bryan Ruíz and Walter Centeno are certain to play in the match, and with the way Ruíz has been playing in the Dutch league, it would be crazy not to play him! The big doubts are with the wingers and central defense, and I think Simões will have the biggest debates with his staff over who to play as the central defender. Will he play Mena or Gamboa in central defense? Will he slide Gilberto Martínez over from right back to centerback (doubtful, as CR are lacking on the right)?
Uruguay's formation will be most likely a 3-4-1-2 with the defensive and forward lines set. As with Costa Rica, the charrúas would be crazy not to start a striker with the quality of Diego Forlán and Luís Suárez. The selections in midfield will be debated the most, in particular the right flank (an open competition between Álvaro González and Bruno Silva) and the creative midfielder (Nicolás Lodeiro or Jorge Rodríguez). Walter Gargano is fighting to recover from an injury, but if he's not ready to go Álvaro Fernández will replace him in midfield.
Comments