Will the U.S. try something new on Saturday or will they stick to what's familiar in pursuit of a result?

The U.S. men's national team heads into their clash with Germany knowing the stakes. It's only a friendly, of course, so nothing real, nothing tangible, will be won or lost on Saturday afternoon. But still, this feels like more than a friendly; it feels like a benchmark.

Games like this don't come around too often, especially for a team set to host the next World Cup. Hosting big, competitive, high-quality matches is a luxury, and the U.S. will be looking to take advantage of a chance to make something of a statement against a team like Germany.

That's easier said than done, though, as Gregg Berhalter's side does enter the game missing two locked-in starters: Tyler Adams and Antonee Robinson. Still, there's a lot of talent in this USMNT pool, and it's Berhalter's job to decide how to use what's at his disposal for the time being.

Does that mean a potential formation switch, moving from the familiar 4-3-3 to the new-and-exciting 4-2-3-1, a setup that could get the best out of Gio Reyna? Or does the U.S. stick with what they know against a big opponent in an effort to get a result?

Here's how the USMNT could line up in Saturday's friendly…

GettyGK: Matt Turner

No real doubt here, as Turner remains the No. 1.

It would be absolutely stunning to see Ethan Horvath get any minutes, especially in the first game, as the U.S. continues to go with Turner as the starting goalkeeper.

AdvertisementGettyRB: Sergino Dest

He's in great form with PSV, but now we'll get to see what he can do against Germany.

Dest's defensive weaknesses have been exposed by good teams in the past. What has he learned from those experiences as he heads into another marquee international clash?

GettyCB: Chris Richards

He needs the minutes and, so far, whenever he's gotten them, he's taken advantage of them.

Richards may not be getting enough playing time on the club level, but he seems to shine every time he takes the field for his country. He was great during the summer and strong during September friendlies, so it's definitely worth seeing how he stacks up against Germany's attack.

GettyCB: Tim Ream

Berhalter could go with Miles Robinson, who, like Richards, could use the test. He could also go with Cameron Carter-Vickers, who could use the minutes as he works towards full fitness.

However, the smart play is to go with Ream, who will provide experience and composure to a relatively young backline. Having an old head back there to keep things calm should be invaluable for when the U.S. has to navigate the inevitable tricky moments.