El Tri is back in action and will play in Mexican soil for the first time in 2024 at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla on Saturday, Oct. 12.
When manager Javier Aguirre announced the squad for the October international friendlies, it became pretty evident that he wants to explore different options to get a better sense of the talent pool he'll be working with on the path to the 2026 World Cup.
Raúl Jiménez is back after a strong start to the Premier League season, looking to once again establish himself as Mexico's main striker. Five time World Cup goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa returns to El Tri, eyeing a record breaking sixth World Cup. West Ham United's Edsón Álvarez is also back after missing the past international break with an injury.
Valencia travels to Mexico without its full squad, whether it be because some players are off to represent their countries in the international break or injuries. Only six players on Valencia's squad that made the trip to Mexico have played in over 50% of the team's minutes in La Liga this season.
With another game against a much stronger USMNT taking place on Tuesday night where Mexico will look to end a seven game winless streak against its northern neighbors, Aguirre might save some of his more established player for then, giving a chance to some new faces in the game on Saturday night.
Here's how El Tri might lineup in the game against Valencia.
