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Concacaf Nations League second leg
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Concacaf Nations League second leg

Canada is just one positive result away from punching its ticket to the semi-finals of the Concacaf Nations League.

After an impressive fourth-place finish at the 2024 Copa América, Canada has gone on a four-match unbeaten streak over the past three months. The Reds beat the United States men’s national team on American soil for the first time since 1957, then earned a goalless draw against Mexico and a victory against Panama.

Jesse Marsch’s side continued their winning ways with a 0-1 victory over Suriname in the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarter-finals. Junior Hoilett found the back of the net in the 82nd minute, giving Canada the lead heading into the second leg at BMO Field.

Marsch will once again be without his best player as Alphonso Davies recovers from fatigue, leaving Ali Ahmed set to start in his place for a second consecutive match. Canada will also be without Derek Cornelius, who has a chest injury. Several of Marsch’s typical starters, including Cyle Larin, should however return to the XI, after playing on the bench in the first leg.

Here’s how Canada could face Suriname in the return match on November 19.

GK: Maxime Crépeau—After missing the first leg, expect the Portland Timbers goalkeeper to join the starting lineup.

RB: Richie Laryea—The versatile 29-year-old can play almost anywhere on the Reds pitch, but he will complete the backline against Suriname.

CB: Moïse Bombito—The defender has established himself as one of Canada’s most consistent players in the 2024 Copa América and will once again look to keep Suriname off the scoresheet.

CB: Alistair Johnston— Beyond his defensive functions, Johnston poses a threat in the final third; he already has four goals and three assists for Celtic this season.

CB: Joel Waterman— If Marsch opts for a back five again, expect Waterman to be his third central defender. The 28-year-old had a rather disappointing night in the first leg, but ultimately did his job well enough to keep a clean sheet.

CEO: Ali Ahmed—Ahmed is the man who will fill the big hole left by Davies on the left flank. After losing the most duels in the first leg, he hopes to achieve a better performance on Tuesday.

CM: Jacob Shaffelburg—Shaffelburg scored in Canada’s opener against the USMNT in September and will look to contribute more in the final third of Tuesday’s clash.

CM: Stephen Eustaquio—Eustáquio remains Marsch’s most reliable midfielder. The FC Porto player is the one who covers the most ground for the Reds and often makes the most passes.

CM: Mathieu Choinière—After Ismaël Koné’s disappointment in the first leg, Choinière is first in line to take his place in the middle of the park.

ST: Jonathan David— The Lille striker scored Canada’s only goal in the first leg and created the most chances (4) for his team in their 0-1 victory.

ST: Cyle Larin— Expect Larin to return to Marsch’s XI after just 29 minutes on Friday. The Mallorca man could become Canada’s all-time top scorer if he finds the back of the net in the second leg.