United States coach Bob Bradley believes good discipline and clinical finishing will be key for his side when they face Algeria on Wednesday aiming for a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
The USA will make at least one change to the side that drew with Slovenia as Robbie Findley is suspended after picking up a second yellow card. Benny Feilhaber could start in midfield, with Clint Dempsey playing in a more attacking role.
Algeria goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi has recovered from a knee injury but Rais M'Bolhi could start in goal. Forward Abdelkader Ghezzal is back in contention after serving a one-game ban.
The USA are currently second in Group C after gaining creditable draws against England and Slovenia, and they know a victory over Algeria in Pretoria will put them into the knockout stages.
"Algeria are a team that has a way of getting a lot of numbers behind the ball, but they are still talented going forward with some of the skill and physical abilities of key individuals," said Bradley.
"As they go forward and get the right numbers in the attack, they have the ability to create one-on-ones and go by you.
"They have found a balance of defending with numbers, and they take their chances well with some of their creative attacking players going forward. It means that our ability to be disciplined and to finish attacks is going to be very important."
Midfielder Karim Matmour has insisted Algeria's team ethic will help them overcome the United States.
"I play for the team. That is every player's job," said the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder, who is 25 on Friday.
"Today's football is very physical. Skill is just for the final metres."
Source: PA
