Play it safe, or play some tricks? What to watch from Emma Hayes and the USWNT in final match before Olympic knockouts

Throughout the first two Olympic tests, the U.S. has done just fine without Jaedyn Shaw. In fact, they've done better than expected. They haven't needed their 19-year-old star, as this team's attack has gone nuclear even without her.

They'll need her before this is all said and done, though, and entering the third group match, she remains out. Shaw has yet to play in this tournament as her Olympic debut has been delayed by a leg injury. Hayes confirmed Tuesday that Shaw won't feature against Australia.

Sophia Smith, Mal Swanson and Trinity Rodman have ensured that her absence hasn't hurt the U.S. in their opening games, scoring six goals between them. Even so, the teenager is a game-changer, one who will be key during the business end of this tournament.

She hasn't had a chance to work out the jitters that will surely be there as when she does eventually enter her first major tournament. It would have been preferable to have her work out those jitters in, say, an essentially meaningless group stage game. It would have been the perfect moment for her to get a taste of competition at this level.

Unfortunately, that isn't the case as the U.S. must continue to wait.

Lynn Williams made the most of her chance against Germany. The Gotham FC took her chance well to put a bow on the 4-1 win, furthering her reputation as a game-changing supersub.

That's why she's here, and given the abundance attacking talent, she won't start in the knockouts. Should she start this one, though?

It may be worth considering. Given the tight turnarounds in this tournament, rest is at a premium. Perhaps Hayes should rest Smith, who did score twice last game but was also nursing a knock for the opener. Perhaps she should rest Swanson, who is only a few months removed from a horrible injury. Or perhaps she should rest Rodman, who tracks back with massive intensity, expending energy in the process.

No matter who sits - if Hayes makes that call - Williams is more than capable of starting and, in this scenario, it makes sense to do it.

Let's be honest: as long as Naomi Girma's healthy, the USWNT will be stellar. Who will be next to her, though?

Tierna Davidson's injury makes that a bit complicated. Hayes confirmed Tuesday that Davidson will miss the Australia match, a blow to a position without much dept. It's really just Emily Sonnett. Emily Sams can come in as an alternate, but there's a drop-off after Sonnett, isn't there?

Sonnett is a very good defender, but she's also a valuable security blanket off the bench. She can play as a centerback, fullback or defensive midfielder, which makes her a supersub that Hayes must love. Starting her takes away that bench option and, unfortunately, there isn't anyone else that provides the same versatility.

Such is life at the Olympics, where squads are limited to just 18 players. Injuries can derail things, as Davidson unfortunately learned.

This team has plenty of experience, but there are some youngsters who could definitely benefit from playing a game at the Olympic level.

Jenna Nighswonger, for example. Crystal Dunn has been the go-to starter at left-back, limiting her Gotham FC teammate to just 25 minutes so far. Many thought Nighswonger would be the starter this tournament but, to Dunn's credit, she's more than earned the role with her performances.

Nighswonger has proven herself trustworthy in the months since her debut, which is why she was in contention to start to begin with. Giving her significant minutes in this game would do wonders for her confidence and comfort heading into the knockouts, where this team could need her.

The same can be said for Korbin Albert. She's the closest this team has to a Rose Lavelle replacement but, so far, she's played just one half of soccer. In that half, she replaced Lavelle as a precaution. Given Lavelle's injury history, why not let her start for the same reason?

Dunn and Lavelle are veterans. Maybe Hayes should keep them on ice for the knockouts and let these two young guns prove themselves.

You never know what to expect from Emma Hayes. From game to game (heck, even half to half), Hayes mixes things up. Tactics change quickly, usually for the better. What wrinkles will this magician put into play on Wednesday?

It'll be worth adding one or two, even if it's just to put them on film and give future opponents another look to worry about. Opponents will know that Hayes has a bag of tricks.

So far, we've seen several different looks. The U.S. has played in a 4-3-3. They've shifted into a 4-4-2. They've defended with three at the back, too. This team's tactical identity is fluid, and that's concerning for those game planning on the other side.

So what can we expect from Hayes in this one? Well, the unexpected. She's always good for some fun in that regard.

The U.S. has already advanced. Barring a ridiculous collapse in the goal difference department, they'll finish atop the group. That doesn't mean their job is done, though.

Australia is in a tough spot. They know they'll likely need a result against the USWNT to advance. It's not ideal but they'll try to convince themselves that the U.S. won't be going full steam.

Germany will feel good about their spot. If they beat Zambia, they're almost certainly good. A draw could be enough, too, as long as the U.S. does them a favor.

Even Zambia will have a sliver of hope. With a multi-goal win and some USMNT assistance, they could advance as well. With Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji in great form, they'll believe they can do it.

The U.S. still has a huge role to play in the shape of the knockouts, and they also know they might see one of these teams further down the line in these Olympics.