By Braden Chalker
The US men's national team is all set to return to the Copa America discussion this summer having last featured in the competition in 2016.
Before the USMNT square off against Bolivia on June 23 at AT&T Stadium, Gregg Berhalter's side will take part in a part of international friendlies vs Colombia and Brazil.
In order to maximize preparations for the highly-anticipated tournament, Berhalter could look to make a few tweaks to his formation and also give a couple of new players a chance to prove what they can do in the XI. It would be better for Berhalter to experiment with new tactics and formations when results don't really matter ahead of the tournament vs trying to make chaotic changes during competitive play.
Here are five strategies the Stars and Stripes need to test in the Allstate Continental Clásico against Brazil.
1. Experiment with a 4-2-3-1 formation
As many already know, Berhalter prefers to stick his 4-3-3 setup and typically doesn't deviate from that formation.
However, his job could very well be at stake should the US somehow not qualify for the quarter-finals, which means it wouldn't be a terrible idea to tinker with a different formation before the results start to matter.
A 4-2-3-1 formation would allow Tyler Adams -- if he's fit -- to provide protection for the backline alongside Weston McKennie while Gio Reyna could take on an attacking midfielder role.
2. Play Gio Reyna at his best position
Gio Reyna is one of the most talented USMNT players to come through the ranks in quite some time.
However, Berhalter hasn't always played him in his preferred position -- we've seen Reyna take up shop on the wing and in central midfield, but if the US are to make a statement this summer, Reyna should operate as a No. 10 right behind the starting center-forward.
Against Brazil, USMNT fans would love to see Renya lined up as an attacking midfielder just in front of McKennie and Adams to really see how the trio could work together at Copa America in a different setup.
3. Give Malik Tillman valuable minutes
Although the USMNT starting lineup just about picks itself when everyone is healthy, there will be players who can make a difference off the bench late in games.
Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun are likely to start at their respective left-wing and striker positions, but if Tim Weah isn't up to scratch, Malik Tillman could take some minutes away from the Juventus player.
Giving Tillman minutes against Brazil would be an excellent idea to help further integrate him into the squad before he gets his chance to shine in Copa America.
4. Start Joe Scally at right-back
With Sergino Dest set to miss Copa America through an ACL injury, Joe Scally is in primed to make the right-back position his own this summer.
This means that Berhalter should give the Borussia Monchengladbach player the starting nod at right-back against Brazil as he has just nine appearances to his name at the international level and hasn't looked all that convincing when he's suited up.
5. Test out a new center-back partnership
Since the USMNT have have two friendlies against Colombia and Brazil ahead of Copa America, Berhalter should look to try out a new center-back pairing against Brazil.
Berhalter typically selects Chris Richards and Tim Ream as the starting defenders in front of Matt Turner. But Ream isn't getting any younger and doesn't have the same pace that Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has.
Pairing Carter-Vickers along with Richards would allow Berhalter to see how the two work together and if they are even a good fit against the numerous quick forwards they'll come up against during Copa America.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Allstate Continental Clásico: 5 strategies the USMNT need to test against Brazil.
