Photo by ISIphotos.com
The U.S. men’s national team is in Washington D.C. this week preparing for Saturday’s CONCACAF World Cup qualifier against Cuba and while there are several young standouts in the 23-man camp, you still get the feeling that Bob Bradley will stick with the veterans at least one more time.
A win clinches a berth in the final round of World Cup qualifying with two games remaining in this qualifying round. That is two opportunities to see many of the young players that fans have been clamoring for.
Will Bradley wait, or will he incorporate some of the young guns on Saturday?
With that in mind, here is the lineup I think we will see on Saturday:
PROJECTED USA lineup vs. Cuba
———–Ching———-Dempsey—————
Beasley———————————-Donovan
————-Bradley—-Kljestan—————-
Pearce—–Bocanegra–Onyewu—-Cherundolo
——————–Howard———————-
I could definitely see Jozy Altidore getting a start, as well as Maurice Edu in central midfield, but I think we will see this starting XI again, with three young players getting looks as second-half subs.
Now it’s your turn. What lineup would you like to see Bradley trot out against the Cubans at RFK Stadium?
Share your thoughts below.
Jamie Z – nice posts. That’s hysterical. And I couldn’t agree with you more.
give some minutes to torres so that he becomes cap-tied.
Okay, nevermind. cometopapa’s lineup makes Angel’s look pretty good.
I think we’re going to see Ives’ lineup with Donovan and Dempsey switched, and MAYBE one surprise somewhere if Mr. Bradley’s feeling nasty.
JL – Sure, Beasley isn’t in the best form, but who do you suppose could take his place? It’s not like we have a Joe Cole to put in at left mid in a pinch.
Angel – Are you really suggesting we leave Carlos Bocanegra out of the lineup for sake of Demerit? Boca is showing arguably the best and most consistent form of any American playing in Europe at the moment. He’s the captain! If Subotic were available, I could see calls for incorporating him into the lineup, but leaving Boca out of a qualifier doesn’t make any sense at all.
And Torres in left midfield? Califf at right back? This is a World Cup Qualifier, not a training ground scrimmage. I’m not sure Califf has ever played right back in his life — why in the world would anyone pick him over ‘Dolo, Wynne, or even Hey Dude? And I’d like to see Torres get a look. I want to see new blood as much as everyone else, but you don’t put a kid on his first call up straight into the starting eleven. Even Michael Bradley started with brief cameos.
I find Bob Bradley’s conservate approach as frustrating as anyone, but I’d definitely rather see a careful, methodical approach to our lineups than whimsical video game formations.
Come to papa has the worst lineup I have ever seen…. we might lose to Toronto FC with that lineup….. MORON
Your lineup is fine, I guess, Ives, but why Donovan on the right wing and Dempsey at forward? I know Dempsey isn’t a right mid, either, but he works better there than Donovan. If we’re gonna keep doing it, it needs to be Dempsey at right wing and Donovan at forward.
Mingjai – i like that 4-1-3-2 formation.
That could lead to some interesting combination soccer. And BB could use Michael Bradley or Edu based on matchup.
And based on matchup – he could go to a 3 back line and play both Edu and Bradley together in front of the 3 backs.
I would love to see this:
———–Altidore——-Adu————–
——————Donovan——————
—-Torres———————Dempsey—–
——————Bradley——————
–Pearce——-Onyewu—–Boca——Dolo—
——————-Howard——————
What will we see (Ives has it)?
What would I like to see?
GK-Guzan
LB-Orozco
CB-Onyewu
CB-DeMerit
RB-Bradley (Surprise!)
LM-Torres
HM-Edu
RM-Szetela
AM-Adu
F-Altidore
F-Davies
Ives is probably right as far as what will like go down. As far as what should happen, I’d like to see a 4-2-3-1 something like this:
—————–Altidore——————
Beasley———–Donovan———–Dempsey
————-Edu—–Kljestan————-
Pearce—–Bocanegra–Onyewu—-Cherundolo
——————Howard——————–
or maybe even a 4-1-3-2 like this:
————Altidore—–Adu————-
Beasley———–Donovan———–Dempsey
——————–Edu——————–
Pearce—–Bocanegra–Onyewu—-Cherundolo
——————Howard——————
And of course, like everyone said, don’t forget to cap Torres and play some (more) youngsters in the second half.
Start Torres and get him capped! It doesn’t matter who else gets in unless that keeper from Norway isn’t yet capped. (ex DC guy- I always confuse Perkins and Pickens) If so start him too.
Who really cares who plays vs. such a weak team as Cuba at home?
If he starts all the “young ones” and they have a poor showing he’ll dismiss them in his head for tough matches. If they have a great showing Bradley will say to himself “yes-but it was against Cuba”. Either way they are screwed if he starts them in mass.
Just hope he puts a couple in to start and maybe one off the bench in the 2nd half. That’s the only way they will get a fair shake with group of players with some continuity.
Yossarian — pretty sure we’re limited to 3 subs in a WCQ.
Ives, I think is dead on with what we’ll see on Saturday.
JL – not wanting Beasley on the squad is ridiculous.
I’m assuming that Torres gets capped in the 2nd half for DMB or for Klestan – can’t wait to see him play.
Hoping Jozy gets some run. If BB plays a 4-4-2 it’s possible that Jozy gets some run subbing in for Dempsey or for Ching. He can run off of Ching as well as replace him as a target forward.
Doubtful that Adu/Jozy/Davies and Torres see the field. Hoping Torres is the first one in followed by Jozy. I won’t be surprised if Davies is the late sub with his pace on the counter attack while we are defending a lead
If Freddy gets in – I’m really interested in seeing him get more time actually playing WITH Lando, Beas and/or Dempsey.
I know this may sound crazy (and will never happen) but I’d love to see BB expirement with a 3-5-1 at some point which could accomodated Jozy, Beas, Adu, Lando, Dempsey and Bradley/Edu.
I know its unrealistic and probably not that smart to mess with the current strength of the team (Gooch and Boca in central defense)but getting the opportunity to see our most talented attackers get time to play off of each other would be really fun to see.
I’ll be at the game on Saturday – probably meeting at a bar downtown before the game. I’ll send out where our crew is gonna be pre-game if anyone is interested in toasting the Nats before heading to RFK.
Come on guys, it is time for USA show another face and be more creative. I like to see a new formation and a new lineup like a 3 3 4 go for more offensive attack. Using new players like:
—— Altidore — Davis —–
———— Donovan ———-
Torres —————-Adu
———– Bradley ————
Pearce — Orozco — DeMerit — Califf
————Brad Guzan—————
I think this will be a good chance to show Mexico and other team that USA can have a second team and can’t be predictable. I will like BB to call up Casey Oconnor and Kenny Cooper for the next game. This team can be more quick and skill. I’m tired to see always same formation with same players
—————-Ching—————
Beasley———Donovan——-Dempsey
————-Bradley—Kljestan———–
Pearce—–Bocanegra–Onyewu—-Cherundolo
——————–Howard—————–
Please guys lets the future of the New USA Show up on this two games…
edit: we DON’T have a solid RM
Switch dempsey and donovan, and move sasha in front of bradley. That’s the lineup we’ll see.
I agree with MikeG, would prefer to see Landon as a withdrawn forward, but I know we have a solid RM. But dangit, Landon is such a HORSE at withdrawn forward. We need to put him there and find guys who can work with him there. He is phenomenal in that role. I don’t like Ching. Altidore may not be consistently better than Ching, but he has the upside, and we need to develop him NOW. I would put Edu in place of Kliejstan. His touches at the international level seem really lacking.
Overall, as coach I would put in who (at this point) would be my preferred starters (come WC time) and use this game against a “minnow” to let them ROCK. Ultimately they will need to prove themselves against competition, but if the players can rise to the occasion and show true KILLER instinct, a “lesser opponent” like Cuba could allow them to discover and showcase their skills and team play.
I think the last two games have indicated that Deuce is clearly better on the wing and Lando is clearly better in the middle.
I’d also like to see youngsters mixed in with each half, not just youngsters in the 2d half. I fell that would be a missed opportunity to evaluate how they work with the vets. I would put Jozy, Klejstan, Torres, and Califf in to start and Szetela, Adu, Davies, and Orozco in the 2d half.
If that’s too many to truly evaluate them with starters, you may cut that by one, having one rookie w/ each field unit, ie. one d-player, one midfielder, and one forward. That way you can easily see how they mesh w/ their unit.
Does anyone know what is going on with Pearce at Rostock? He has only started one game and subbed 3 out of 7 total games… In the Bundesliga 2!! What the hell is going on? How is our starting left back not even able to start in the second division of Germany?
Start Torres! Sacha, too!
I know this won’t happen, atleast not yet but I’d like to see:
Josie–Landon
Beasley—-Adu—–Dempsey
Bradley
Pearce—-Boca—Gooch—Steve C.
Howard
Kswiss – I like your line up.
How about starting the kids (Josy, Freddy, Torres) and bringing in the vets in the second half if we need them?
And we won’t need them.
ok ok ok this is sweet.. I’ll be at this game and I can’t wait to see the younger and older guys.
my suggested starting line up
Ching-(Altidore)
donavon
DMB(Torres)-Sasha-lil bradley-deuce
Pear-boca-gooch-wynne
howard
I look to see a defensive sub come in for the third allowed in 60th min and look for torres to show up in the 75min on, Jozy comes on at half.
Kswiss… nice post, didn’t read all the comments b4.
Why are we not playing a 4 – 2 – 3 – 1?
****Striker******
*AML – AMC – AMR*
*****DM – DM*****
****Back 4*******
Wouldn’t this include all our talent in one grouping?
1 striker, because we barely have enough options for that.
3 Attacking Mids… Beas, LD, Demps. Beasley used to this from SPL and Holland. LD would be #10 withdrawn striker, and Demps and him could rotate in this role.
Bradley could easily go with 2 holding-connector Mids in Bradley Jr. and (Insert DM here) from Kliest/Edu/etc.
Then the back 4, with Dolo liking to run (link upfield) and LB’s as well, this would be a great fit.
If that’s the lineup Bob rolls out I hope the crowd goes all Bad News Bears on us and starts chanting “LET THEM PLAY!” for the young guys.
I know that Beasley isn’t as comfortable taking on defenders on when he’s playing on the right, but I’d rather see him over there and try Dempsey and Donovan in the middle as a withdrawn forward and an attacking midfielder. I’d take out Kljestan to make that happen and put Torres on the left. Whoever the target forward is, they would benefit from the runs of Donovan and Dempsey through the middle and the attack as a whole would benefit from Dempsey and Donovan working off each other in the center of the field.
brian should not start, and kenny cooper should. enough said. everything else should stay the same as in the past 3 wins.
Did anyone see the #’s at the DC game this weekend (just read bruce’s page). I can’t wait to go to the game this weekend.
The 2 games for the price of 1 (chivas & US match) that i heard was going on is sick.
If there are 30-40k people there this saturday it will be a great turnout.
Ives I know there was rumbling about no special pricing for the chicago game (dont know if that was the truth or not), but USSF def consider it in the future for WCQ.
I think I agree with everyone here. SBI’s lineup looks fine as long as we can give the AAs (Jozy and Freddy) a nod in the second half and cap Torres as well. Davies can start next Wed and maybe Guzan too. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be at the game!
i could see starting the same Starting XI as T&T, but i think we should give Jozy the start… he’s been on form when he played over in spain… he’s dangerous and needs the games…. and i think he can bring just as much if not more then Chingy can…. start Jozy instead of Ching and then still bring in 3 young players…..
playing Cuba in cuba will be different then playing Cuba in DC….
I think Bradley plays one striker up top (probably Ching), with Dempsey or Landycakes withdrawn (the other would be out on the right).
Start Torres, just in case he sees just how bad this team is during the first half and decides not to play in the second half.
Oh, and don’t start Michael Bradley (yeah, right, like that’ll ever happen).
Altidore
Donovan———-Dempsey
Adu
Bradley–Edu
Pearce–Onyewu-Boca–Dolo
Howard
Time to try something different! This is a game that really needs to be used as a tryout for a new formation and new lineup.
Ching is trash and a relic no speed no ball skills. Never want to see him again! Bring in Altidore instead!!
Chris, if you don’t know the date and time of the game you have issues.
I really prefer Landon as a withdrawn striker. He looked a little lost out on the right the few times he’s been there. I think you could put Dempsey out on the right he is a bit of a defensive liability but against Cuba that should not be as big of an issue.
I would also rather see Edu paired with Bradley neither of them are seeing first team football right now and need to competitive reps to stay sharp. You loose Kljestan’s offensive ability but you have plenty of offensive mid options on the bench if you get bogged down.
—–Howard—–
Dolo–Onyewu–Bocanegra–Pearce
Edu–Bradley
Dempsey—Donovan—Beasley
—-Altidore—-
Bring Adu in for Dempsey and switch Donovan to right mid. Cap Torres and bring him in for beasley. I would like to see davies come in also…maybe in the 65th for altidore
I would rather not see Beasley play, simply because I think he is still way off-form. The national team isn’t where he should be getting back to his standard of play. I think too many players on the nats get free passes on form. That said, the roster BB has picked, form would eliminate a lot of them from starting. Oh well.
I think Ives has it right, even though I would like to see Altidore start, since I believe Ching’s best use is as a mid- to late-second half sub, coming in to help control a game that we are leading. I think Ives probably has the formation right, too, though I would personally like to see the 4-2-3-1 from the T&T game:
——————-Ching——————–
Beasley————–Donovan———Dempsey
————-Bradley—Kljestan————-
Pearce—–Bocanegra–Onyewu—-Cherundolo
——————–Howard———————-
please try to list the time and date of the game anytime you do an article like this.
I’d like to see Jozy start and Davies come on for him. We don’t really need to see Ching.
Was nice to see Clint get the start on Sat, and he played well (did miss a nice chance with a header though).
I see bradley going with the lineup that ives has suggested. i’d look for us to be up at halftime, with altidore and torres definitely coming on. If bradley decides to not start ching, altidore will be up there, and davies will be on in he second for whoever is the second striker.
I think that is about right but here is what I really want 4-4.5-1.5
GK Howard
RB Cherundolo
CB Onyewu
CB Bocanegra
LB Pearce
LW Adu
DM Bradley (45) Edu (45)
AM Dempsey (45) Kljestan (45)
RM Donovan
F Jozy (45) Davies (45)
JOZY JOZY JOZY!
——————-Altidore———————-
——————Dempsey (Adu)——————-
–Beasley (Torres)—Bradley—Kljestan (Edu)—-Landycakes
—Pearce——-Bocanegra—-Gooch——Cherundolo–
CAP Torres! Start Altidore! Put in Freddy!
Aside from winning the matches, Bradley has one other must do for these two games:
CAP TIE TORRES
I think we’ll probably see Ives’s suggested lineup. But I liked the formation from the latest game with Dempsey on the right wing and Donovan up top with Ching or Altidore.
Hopefully Torres will get his cap. I’d also like to see Davies in there for more then just 10minutes.
I’m fine with this, as long as BB brings out guys like Jozy, Torres, Davies or Freddy in the second half.