Two managers about to have their tenures defined, two sets of players with the opportunity to prove themselves worthy of continued participation for their national teams and two football federations seeking identities, justification for their approaches, and the opportunity to test themselves against the world's best teams.

The 2015 CONCACAF Cup couldn't have more riding on it. Perhaps the man most under pressure is USMNT coach Jurgen Klinsmann who will be looking to reaffirm his position after facing wide criticism in recent weeks.

USA vs. Mexico - The Coaches

After the USMNT's failings at the Gold Cup and the recent disappointing results in September's friendlies against Peru and Brazil, many are calling for the German coach to resign as head coach and for US Soccer to reconsider their plan for their national team.

In the build up to this match Klinsmann appears to be taking few risks, having selected a squad heavy on veteran players and and those players whom he had selected in previous squads.

Chris Wondolowski's inclusion ahead of Bobby Wood as well as Graham Zusi's call up will raise some eyebrows but perhaps the most intriguing decision is the omission of Omar Gonzalez.

Gonzalez had been a regular under Klinsmann, but fell in for some criticism after his performances in the Gold Cup and has now been axed from the squad as Klinsmann looks for a new direction for his defense.

The US defense will need their confidence restored after a thumping defeat to Brazil in their last fixture, as well as having conceded eight goals in their last four matches.

For Klinsmann's counterpart in the opposite dugout on Saturday, Ricardo Ferretti, the chance to leave his post as Mexico interim manager on a high and having continued Mexico's positive form during the Gold Cup will enter the Rose Bowl with far less pressure and scrutiny on him than the German.

Giovani Santos To Be Dropped?

One thing that Ferretti will be sweating on will be the fitness of star midfielder Andres Guardado, as well as the veteran center-back Rafael Marquez after they both sustained injuries recently.

There is no doubt that the Mexicans look a completely different side without these two players and Ferretti will be keen to wait until the last possible moment before deciding whether to include the two in his match day squad or not.

One man who looks set to be dropped is Giovani Dos Santos. Dos Santos is arguably Mexico's most creative player and their biggest name player, but under Ferretti he has been unable to get into the national team squad and appears to be likely to miss out on Saturday.

For both sides the match comes during a time where they each face a crossroads. The US with whether or not to persist with Klinsmann in charge and Mexico with where to go after Ferretti leaves.

The answer for both will be a lot easier for both sides on Saturday night after the match. Victory will bring with it not only continental supremacy but the chance to get a head start in preparations for the World Cup by competing in the Confederation Cup next year.

Defeat brings uncertainty, unhappiness and the tainting of reputations and careers. The stage is set for the old rivalry between the USA and Mexico to be played out once more, this time, however, there is more than just a victory at stake.

When & Where - Time, Schedule

When: Saturday, October 10th
Where: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
Kick-Off: 18:30 PT
TV Schedule: Fox Sports 1, Univision, UDN
Live Stream: Fox Soccer 2Go
Official Hashtag: #USAvsMEX

Ticket Info.

Tickets are sold out but Premium seats and Event Packages are available from Ticketmaster starting at $299