Not the lineup I'm rooting for, but the lineup I can see Klinsman rolling with.
Chandler gets cap tied with a start at RB, while Fabian Johnson handles LB. Both will be counted on provide width in the attacking flanks with three central hub players in the midfield.
Cameron and Bocanegra handle the middle of the defense - could see Omar Gonzalez starting ahead of Bocanegra, but count on Klinsman to look to the veteran defender on the road, rather than an untested defender.
Jermaine Jones, Michael Bradley and Danny Williams form the central hub we've seen so often from Klinsman. Could see Graham Zusi sliding into on of the outer roles and push forward, but I expect a safe, defensive lineup on the road.
Dempsey cuts in from the left, while Eddie Johnson plays the forward/winger role he's been deployed in for previous WCQ, with the hope he has some space to to run on to a backdoor cross and head it on goal. (Disclaimer: could also see Hercules Gomez in this spot and playing a little wider). Altidore brings his outstanding form of late to striker up top.
Overall, it's a safe, conservative lineup designed to defend first, control the middle of the pitch and secure a point on the road. If US falls behind, expect to see Gomez, Zusi and perhaps Jose Torres come on and try to find a goal. Depending on how this plays out, also wouldn't be surprised to see Omar Gonzalez in for Bocanegra after around 70 minutes to get the veteran a breather.
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Steve Cusumano
almost 12 years
Not the lineup I'm rooting for, but the lineup I can see Klinsman rolling with. Chandler gets cap tied with a start at RB, while Fabian Johnson handles LB. Both will be counted on provide width in the attacking flanks with three central hub players in the midfield. Cameron and Bocanegra handle the middle of the defense - could see Omar Gonzalez starting ahead of Bocanegra, but count on Klinsman to look to the veteran defender on the road, rather than an untested defender. Jermaine Jones, Michael Bradley and Danny Williams form the central hub we've seen so often from Klinsman. Could see Graham Zusi sliding into on of the outer roles and push forward, but I expect a safe, defensive lineup on the road. Dempsey cuts in from the left, while Eddie Johnson plays the forward/winger role he's been deployed in for previous WCQ, with the hope he has some space to to run on to a backdoor cross and head it on goal. (Disclaimer: could also see Hercules Gomez in this spot and playing a little wider). Altidore brings his outstanding form of late to striker up top. Overall, it's a safe, conservative lineup designed to defend first, control the middle of the pitch and secure a point on the road. If US falls behind, expect to see Gomez, Zusi and perhaps Jose Torres come on and try to find a goal. Depending on how this plays out, also wouldn't be surprised to see Omar Gonzalez in for Bocanegra after around 70 minutes to get the veteran a breather.