Photo by John Todd/ISIphotos.com
The first chance for Bob Bradley to trot out his first choice starting lineup before the World Cup comes on Saturday against Turkey in Philadelphia. Just what that lineup will be is the big question.
There are questions all over the field, from the striker position to the fullbacks, the wings to central midfield. Bradley will give the first signs of the players he is leaning toward for the June 12 World Cup opener vs. England.
So who will start vs. Turkey on Saturday? Here is our projected lineup:
PROJECTED USA LINEUP vs. TURKEY
——————-Altidore———-Dempsey—————-
Beasley————————————————Donovan
———————Bradley———Clark———————-
Bocanegra———Onyewu—–DeMerit———-Cherundolo
—————————–Howard——————————
The three positions toughest to call are right back (Cherundolo or Spector), wing midfield (Beasley or Holden) and forward (Dempsey, Gomez or Findley).
If Dempsey plays up top, the decision is between Holden and Beasley. If Dempsey is deployed on the flank, Herculez Gomez could get the nod (he and Altidore were paired up top in training on Thursday).
Central midfield could offer a surprise, with Maurice Edu and Jose Torres as options, but the odds are good that we will see the Michael Bradley-Ricardo Clark tandem.
What do you think of the above lineup? Which starting 11 would you like to see against Turkey?
Share your thoughts below.