FanPost

After Mexico and Ukraine, the pecking order of the team

Although the team will change tactically from game to game and within games it sure seems like the 2-forward, diamond infield is the most potent setup. Here's a possible starting lineup with alternates:

-----------------------------------------------Howard (Guzan.Rimando)

Evans (F Johnson, Cameron)-----Goodson (Cameron)-----------Besler-----------Beasley (F Johnson)

---------------------------------------------------Cameron (Jones)

Zuzi ( E Johnson, Donovan)------------------------------------------------------------------F Johnson (Donovan or E Johnson)

----------------------------------------------------Bradley

--------------------------------------------Dempsey (Donovan)

---------------------------------------------Altidore (Eddie Johnson)

- Center of Defense- Gonzo's bad game last night came at the worst possible time for him. I suspect he'll get more chances but he can't be penciled in anymore next to Besler. Goodson, not the best CB in the world, is at least steadier back there.

- Parkhurst's versatility I think will earn him a ticket to Brazil and possibly start a game.

- F Johnson. There are a few key players who could start at multiple positions. F Johnson I think is one of them and maybe the most important. It would be best if he were the right winger in the midfield but the team may need him at either right or left back. Evans will always be very touch and go at right back so you got to think that Klinnsman will look hard at F Johnson or...

- Cameron to play there. Which would be a shame cause the team could use Cameron more at d-mid or center back either of which he'd be more effective.

- Speaking of D-mid, I have Cameron starting there but it is still Jones' position to lose. But will he be diciplined enough to stay back? The pre-WC games will tell all. More likely though is that Jones will play central midfield when we are not playing the diamond 442. Beckerman may make the team as a late sub but I won;t count out D Johnson just yet or Edu either; it is just hard to see him holding up for a full game against the teams we need to play.

- the wingers. Zuzi is pretty close to a lock on the left; the right is open if F Johnson is needed on the back line. Otherwise possibly Donovan on the right, a position that he has not been all that great at. Brad Davis may make the team as a late game free kick specialist. Although it is on paper possible, I just don't see Klinsmann seriously putting Dempsey out on the wing. Eddie Johnson would get the chance first. EDIT- Bedoya is most likely in.

- Bradley is the engine that makes the team go. If not him (and he only comes out due to injury) then...Donovan? Dempsey? Jones? Diskerud?

- Altidore is still the starting forward and as we see he is better with a partner: Dempsey is the first choice though not a lead pipe lock. Johannsson and E Johnson will press him possibly.

So when camp opens I see the 30 players called in as follows with long shots in plain text. I just have 20 players in bold at the moment. If I had to pick the next three I would go Gonzo, Diskerud and shiiiiit: Wondo. But really that's just shooting in the dark.

GK: Howard, Guzan, Rimando

Defense: Besler, Goodson, Beasley, Evans, Cameron, Parkhurst, Brooks, Gonzo, Castillo

Midfield: Bradley, Jones, F Johnson, Zuzi, Donovan, Beckerman, Bedoya, Diskerud, D Johnson, Davis, Edu,

Forwards: Altidore, Dempsey, Johannsson, E Johnson, Greene, Wondolowski, Boyd

The leaves 5 spots open for the non boldface guys.

If any of these guys are injured then the following might get called into camp: Shea, Kljestan, Lichaj, Orozco, Onyewu, Torres and anyone else you fancy. These guys are real, real long shots.

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