With the January camp comes a lot of unknown. We do know that there are some roster spots to be had by the players that are currently involved in training. Jurgen Klinsmann suggested that six to eight of these players could be on the roster for the first hexagonal match, but that number could increase given uncertainty with injuries to Steve Cherundolo and Fabian Johnson. This may also be the toughest camp to predict a starting lineup for the national team, especially with Klinsmann’s secretive ways. The public practice on Monday night could shed some light. As the USMNT get ready to take on Canada in Houston, here are the predictions for the starting eleven from the staff here at The American Pitch.
There are a lot of wild cards in my prediction. Word is that Hall has been impressive and Klinsmann may give him a cap since the question of what keepers will make the World Cup squad is not much of a concern. The central defense pairing seems to be set as Besler and Gonzalez are both hoping to make the hex squad. Justin Morrow and Alfredo Morales could get consideration on the edge, Beltran may see time so Klinsmann’s tactics don’t solely rely on speed out wide.
Beckerman is a good fit for the defending midfielder. Obviously the formation chosen here is something Klinsmann has not really tried and would go away from the midfield triangle. It would employ more of a midfield interchange with Bedoya and Diskerud feeding off Bruin up front. Klinsmann has enjoyed seeing Johnson out wide. Juan Agudelo would seem to be another player that will make the roster for Honduras and does not need playing time to prove it. Bruin and Chris Wondolowski should split time although a different formation would make more sense with Wondolowski.
The biggest issue here for some may be that Graham Zusi is not starting. For me he another player that is on the squad for the World Cup qualifiers and will be used as a substitute. Although it would be interesting to see Beckerman, Zusi, and Brad Davis in that midfield triangle. Admittedly this is a long shot lineup.
Pete has become the master at predicting lineups and his does vary from mine a bit. In his own words he admits there is some uncertainty as well.
"I’m honestly not sure who’s going to be at LB & RB. Morales played there in the closed scrimmage vs Tijuana so he’s more of an educated guess.Beckerman, Johnson, Zusi, Gonzalez, & Besler are are sure best based on their past involvement & performances in camp.I can see Mix getting a start over Benny while Gatt is simply a bold prediction – I’m assuming Coach K wants to get him some more experience."
Zach switches up the formation to one that just might work against Canada.
"Heading out of January training camp and toward the friendly against Canada, the U.S. men’s national team has an opportunity to test out more unheralded players ahead of the push toward World Cup qualifying. At the back, Bill Hamid should get his first start since January 2012; at just 22 years old Hamid has already played 60 MLS matches for D.C. United. In front of him a 3-5-2 gives Klinsmann the best chance to field a competitive lineup that also tests new challengers for starting spots. In defense, former college teammates A.J. DeLaGarza and Omar Gonzalez team with ten-year veteran Jeff Parke. The midfield features a mix of stalwarts (Benny Feilhaber, Kyle Beckerman) and fresh faces (Brad Davis, Graham Zusi, Mix Diskerud) to give the best opportunity to control possession. Up front, they’ll set up Juan Agudelo and Eddie Johnson — two relatively proven players still trying to prove their first-team worth. Will Bruin could be a solid swap for Johnson if Klinsmann wants to test another youngster. This Canada friendly gives the Yanks a chance to tinker ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Honduras on February 6."