USMNT World Cup Qualifiers Roster Prediction

Jurgen Klinsmann will announce his 23-man roster on Monday and he hinted at not introducing too many new players into the squad in an ESPN interview last week.  However, Eddie Johnson is set to join the club for the first time in over two years.  DaMarcus Beasley is in the Miami area.  Still recent mainstays like Kyle Beckerman will make the team.  Here is a look at how we see the roster filling out.

Keepers – 3

Tim Howard – This is a given, correct?

Brad Guzan – He has taken over as the starter for Aston Villa and played well despite a sub-par start for his squad.

Nick Rimando – He continues to make dazzling saves leading his Salt Lake team to second in the MLS Western Conference.

September 1, 2012; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando (18) warms up prior to a match against D.C. United at Rio Tinto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE

Defenders – 8

Geoff Cameron – He has been playing defense with Stoke City and is a Klinsmann favorite.

Steve Cherundolo – It seems like he has a winning touch and his Hannover squad is off to a great start in the Bundesliga. He was able to create chemistry with Graham Zusi in the last match against Jamaica.

Carlos Bocanegra – Perhaps Bocanegra is resurgent going to Santander.  His leadership is key at this point for a team that needs stability.

Fabian Johnson – No competition at his spot.

Michael Parkhurst – He has been a constant bench option and can give some of the veterans a rest if needed.

Edgar Castillo – He was named to the previous squad but was out due to injury.

Clarence Goodson – His height is a good option to have on the bench.

Maurice Edu – Edu is a favorite and the midfield is packed.  Klinsmann will want him on the roster.

Midfielders – 8

Kyle Beckerman – It is all but official that he is on the roster.

Michael Bradley – Bradley returned to AS Roma and scored a goal today so he should be able to make the national team.

Jermaine Jones – He has been out of the last couple matches with his club Schalke with a minor injury but is expected to be on the roster.

Danny Williams – When Williams was finally able to play his traditional position as a deep defensive midfielder he shined.

Graham Zusi – Zusi was impressive against Jamaica when he got the start.  He has scored or assisted on half of Sporting KC’s goals this year.

Joe Corona – He may not be in the 18 but his invitation to camp for training will be there.

Clint Dempsey – We are putting Dempsey here because of Johnson’s inclusion and that an aggressive formation is what we are hoping to see Klinsmann employ (4-1-3-2?).

DaMarcus Beasley – He scored the game winner in a January friendly and may just be called in for training while rehabbing a rib injury.

Forwards – 4

Eddie Johnson – This is one time it seems like twitter is right.

October 11, 2011; Harrison, NJ, USA; USA player DaMarcus Beasley (left) and Ecuador player Antonio Valencia (right) go after the ball during the soccer friendly match at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

Jozy Altidore – He got sent off for two yellows today for AZ, but has shown his ability to score.

Herculez Gomez – He scored off a free kick against Jamaica and has not taken one play off since getting called back up with the national team.

Terrence Boyd – He scored again today for his club team and seems to be a perfect substitute.

Landon Donovan and Brek Shea are troubled by injuries so they are left off.  One roster spot will be used on the extra keeper that seems to be a ‘just in case’ spot that the head coach feels better using in case of injury.   One can never count out Jose Torres as an option.  Eric Lichaj was getting a lot of attention during the last roster announcement but he has been pulled from the starting lineup at Aston Villa.  Sacha Kljestan could take Corona’s spot but it seems like he will have to wait until the hexagonal stage, if the USMNT advances.