Mexico's Javier Aguirre names three starters vs. Canada but stays quiet on if he'll start Santiago Giménez or Raúl Jiménez at striker for Nations League match

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre revealed three guaranteed starters for Mexico’s match against Canada in the Nations League Final Four. As expected, Luis Ángel Malagón will be the starting goalkeeper, Jesús Gallardo will play as the left-back, and Erik Lira will take charge in midfield, he confirmed during Tuesday’s press conference. However, Aguirre did not disclose whether Raúl Jiménez or Santiago Giménez would start as the main striker, though he hinted that both could feature in the lineup against the Canucks.

"That's not something I'm going to talk about," Aguirre quickly said regarding who will be in the starting lineup. "Of course, they can fit into the same system...Both are in good form, and both can start."

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'[Someone who] knows the position, is capable of handling last-man situations, communicates a lot, lives the game intensely, stays alert throughout the match - that's what I need, a player who defends," Aguirre said.

Jiménez and Giménez are both in excellent form with their respective European clubs, but in recent years, the Mexican National Team has rarely played with two strikers. This has sparked debate among fans and media about who should be El Tri’s starting forward moving forward. Aguirre also mentioned that he prefers to see Julián Quiñones playing behind a number nine, meaning the Al-Qadsiah attacker - who is also enjoying a strong run of form - could be considered for a starting role against Canada.

"We have to play good football, execute the game plan, and have a perfect match against Canada if we want to advance to the next round. We are capable of beating Canada; they will fight, but if we play the game we are planning, we can move forward," Aguirre said. "Our goal is to win it, and after seeing the group and training with them, I am sure they have the desire to turn things around."

Mexico is currently on a three-match winless streak against Canada. Before this, El Tri enjoyed five consecutive victories over their northern rivals. In their most recent official encounter, Canada defeated Mexico 2-1 at home.