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Who should the USMNT start vs. Turkey?

USAvsNetherlandsSquad (ISIphotos.com)

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.

Comments

  1. Holden over Beasley at RM all day everyday. Holden over Benny at CM all day everyday.

    It’s a shame about Bedoya getting cut. Next cycle we will be kicking ourselves wondering why he wasn’t part of the 2010 squad.

    Goodson is our best CB in the air. Goodson is our best CB on set plays. Goodson is our most agile big CB. Does this make him our best CB? Watch the friendly vs the Czechs again. Did this guy ever not win a ball in the air?

    Reply
  2. Jozy Buddle
    Donovan Bradley Edu Dempsey
    Boca DeMerit Onyewu Spector

    at 60 or 65 sub in Beasely for Buddle, shift Dempsey up top, Donovan to right
    we’ll also see Goodson sub in for Gooch around the 70th
    might also see Gomez replace Jozy and Cherundolo replace Boca around that time.

    Turkey will be a great test. Can’t wait!

    Reply

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