Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Panama could line up for Saturday’s Copa America quarter-final clash with Colombia.
Panama are unable to welcome back midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla for Saturday’s Copa America quarter-final clash against Colombia at State Farm Stadium in Arizona.
Carrasquilla was shown a straight red card for a stud-showing tackle on Christian Pulisic in Panama’s 2-1 victory over USA last week and CONMEBOL have since confirmed that he will serve a two-match suspension – the first of those was served on Tuesday as Panama beat Bolivia 3-1.
Jovani Welch deputised in centre-midfield alongside Cristian Martinez against Bolivia and both players are set to continue in the first XI on Saturday, with Cesar Blackman and Edgar Barcenas expected to provide width on the flanks.
Head coach Thomas Christiansen is set to stick with a 5-4-1 formation that he has used throughout the tournament, with Michael Murillo and Eric Davis – who have racked up 169 international caps between them – poised to retain their places at full-back.
Roderick Miller was dropped to the substitutes’ bench last time out and will be hoping to force his way back into the first XI at the expense of Carlos Harvey to play alongside Jose Cordoba and Edgardo Farina at centre-back.
After scoring in the win over Bolivia, Jose Fajardo could keep his place as the lone striker, but Christiansen will consider handing a start to Eduardo Guerrero, who came off the substitutes’ bench to score in the same game.
Panama possible starting lineup: Mosquera; Murillo, Farina, Cordoba, Harvey, Davies; Blackman, Martinez, Welch, Barcenas; Fajardo
> Click here to see how Colombia could line up for this contest
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