The U.S. men’s national team’s October window gets underway on Friday against South American opponents Ecuador.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men will begin their two-match window in Austin, Texas, seeking to carry over their form from September’s finale against Japan. Facing off against the second-place finishers in CONMEBOL’s World Cup Qualifying cycle won’t be easy, but Ecuador will provide a strong test for the Americans.

Christian Pulisic, Haji Wright, and Alex Zendejas headline the in-form players this window, while Weston McKennie and Antonee Robinson jump back into the mix after some time away.

Matt Freese will aim to continue locking down the No. 1 goalkeeper spot while Chris Richards and Tim Ream are two players looking set to anchor the backline.

Absences to Tyler Adams, Sergino Dest, and Josh Sargent, could open the door for others to boost their stocks with only eight months to go until the FIFA World Cup begins.

With the USMNT seeking a strong outing against Ecuador, here is the starting lineup that we believe should start:

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GOALKEEPER

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Who should start: Matt Freese

Matt Freese has done well in his USMNT appearances to date and I see no reason why Pochettino should change things up. Freese’s height and range makes him a tough goalkeeper to beat and bearing a major drop in form, I don’t see him relinquishing this spot anytime soon.

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DEFENDERS

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Who should start: Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson.

The return of Antonee Robinson gives the USMNT a strong two-way player at left back.

Robinson is fighting to get back to his full role with Fulham and a strong USMNT window could certainly help there. The veteran full back is a menace in the final third while also providing solid defensive work on the back end.

Chris Richards and Tim Ream are the USMNT’s No. 1-2 options at centerback and I expect those two to be paired up again. Richards has continued to rack up the minutes for Crystal Palace, playing week in and week out in multiple competitions.

Ream, whose regular season is nearing a close with Charlotte FC, has played ample minutes in Dean Smith’s squad. The 38-year-old is showing zero signs of slowing down, despite being in the latter stage of his career.

With no Sergino Dest or Joe Scally, Alex Freeman should get the nod at right back. Freeman has quickly become a rising talent in MLS and could very well compete for the starting right back job next summer.

A healthy Dest might hurt Freeman’s chances, but for now, it’s his time to shine.

Cameron Carter-Vickers, Miles Robinson, and Mark McKenzie are likely to see minutes this window and could two of those three could be paired together against Australia. Max Arfsten may be used to give Robinson some relief, especially if Pochettino is not ready to use him for 90 minutes in either match.

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MIDFIELDERS

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Who should start: Tanner Tessmann, Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman

The absence of Tyler Adams could see a number of different midfielders used this camp.

However, I think Weston McKennie should get the starting nod in Adams’ absence, as he tries to get reacclimatized to the program. McKennie has been in-and-out of the Juventus starting lineup this season, but his presence in the USMNT system is something that shouldn’t wary.

Tanner Tessmann’s positive run of form with Lyon has led to his inclusion in camp. Tessmann has been amongst the goals in recent weeks, playing in Ligue 1 and the Europa League. His work rate and range makes him a good option to start against Ecuador, who will be eager to own possession against the U.S.

Malik Tillman at the No. 10 is Pochettino’s best option right now. Tillman has started to pick up steam with the USMNT over the last few months, enjoying a strong showing at the Gold Cup.

Goal contributions have been a bit tough at Bayer Leverkusen, but Tillman has a long season to get things going in Germany.

Aidan Morris, James Sands, Cristian Roldan, Brenden Aaronson, and Diego Luna should all see time in this match as Pochettino will try and rotate and avoid any injuries.

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FORWARDS

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Who should start: Alex Zendejas, Haji Wright, Christian Pulisic

The front-three chosen for his XI may be the USMNT players riding the best runs of form at club level.

Haji Wright leads the EFL Championship with eight goals and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Wright has helped Coventry City to top of the league table by scoring in a bunch of different ways for Frank Lampard’s squad.

A strong window here could boost his No. 9 hopes majorly.

Christian Pulisic has six goals for AC Milan this fall, helping the Rossoneri enjoy a positive start in both of their active competitions. The USMNT’s leading attacking threat closed the September window with a positive performance and should be the first name on Pochettino’s lineup card Friday night.

Alex Zendejas closed the September window in style, which has led to a strong run of form for Club America. Zendejas has scored five goals and added one assist in his last five outings in Liga MX, being a productive player in the final third.

His willingness to try things in the final third makes him a different player at right wing and right now, he’s more likely to find the back of the net than Tim Weah.

Folarin Balogun and Patrick Agyemang could get the nod over Wright, but I’d ride the hot hand right now if I was Pochettino. Agyemang’s physicality paired with Balogun’s vertical running makes both good options off of the bench, or starting options against Australia.

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What do you think of our projected lineup? Who are you most excited to see play? Are there any doubts you have?

Share your thoughts below.