💫 ❓ Three key talking points ahead of CONCACAF Nations League final | OneFootball

Silverware is up for grabs as rivals the United States and Canada go head-to-head on Sunday for the CONCACAF Nations League title.

Here are three key talking points ahead of kick-off.

A striker conundrum for the USA

Captain America Christian Pulisic managed to rise to the occasion against Mexico – the first goal was a lucky deflection before tapping home after a counterattack but given his struggling form with Chelsea (one goal from 30 games), he might not be the most reliable man up front.

So the current scoring burden falls elsewhere as the Americans search for consistent goals. The debate between Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi now takes centre stage.

The former England U21 player switched allegiances and earned the starting nod immediately. His 22 goals in 39 games last season for Stade Reims impressed but time will be the most valuable resource for the 21-year-old as he adjusts to his new surroundings.

That leaves Pepi with an opportunity to challenge for the starting position and a debate for manager B.J. Callaghan. The Groningen striker scored 13 goals in 36 games but has already thrived with the national team, with five goals in only 13 appearances – including against Mexico after only three minutes of action.

It’s a striker conundrum for the Stars and Stripes that they must figure out for the final – and the future.

Can Canada end their title drought in Hutchinson’s send off?

A statement World Cup qualifying campaign and their first goal in men’s World Cup history finally put Canada on the map in the football world.

However, a failure to remain composed in Qatar saw Canada swallow a tough pill and left John Herdman’s side with plenty of lessons. Roughly six months later, the squad reunites and has a chance to lift their first trophy in 23 years.

Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David again led the line against Panama with a goal each – but that is as expected. Porto’s Champions League-playing midfielder Stephen Eustaquio and treble-winning defender Alistair Johnston (Celtic) have also brought added value to the squad.

However, all Canadian eyes will be on one man during the final: Atiba Hutchinson.

The 40-year-old ex-Beşiktaş captain confirmed his retirement from the international stage and the final will be his last official outing. An established leader, he has 104 appearances, nine goals and eight assists but has yet to lift silverware with Canada.

So it’s a picture-perfect opportunity for the Maple Leafs to commemorate the special occasion while confirming that last winter’s World Cup qualification was not a fluke. Against their fiercest rivals, too. How much have they grown from the experience in Qatar?

A blossoming rivalry

Over the last few years, there has been a shift in North America.

Mexico have struggled on the international stage, notably losing to both the USA and Canada during World Cup qualifying and now lost by the largest margin ever against top rivals USA in the Nations League semi-finals.

Here lies the opportunity for the new spotlight rivalry to be between Canada and the United States.

The Canucks enter the match unbeaten in their last two matches against the Americans and it is likely to be a gritty final between the neighbouring countries. The Stars and Stripes, however, have a lofty advantage historically, with 13 wins alongside six draws from 24 meetings.

Expect drama, hope for goals, and anticipate cards as tension will undoubtedly flare between these two squads. It could be a final to define future generations.