Predicting the USMNT starting XI vs. Mexico
GOALKEEPER: TIM HOWARD
Well, we should at least get this one correct. Klinsmann named Howard as the US No. 1 when he called in this roster. Howard has been playing well since his return to MLS with the Colorado Rapids. In their most recent MLS Cup Playoffs match against the LA Galaxy, he made two huge saves in the penalty shootout to secure a trip to the Western Conference finals.
WATCH: Tim Howard saves Ashley Cole penalty & wildly celebrates as LA Galaxy exit MLS Cup: https://t.co/xX4P8G4STh https://t.co/tcwDrc4g59
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 6, 2016
Brad Guzan had been sharing duties at keeper for the USMNT recently, but he hasn’t received consistent playing time in England with Middlesbrough. Unless his situation changes, he will serve as Howard’s backup for the foreseeable future.
DEFENDERS: DEANDRE YEDLIN, OMAR GONZALEZ, JOHN BROOKS, FABIAN JOHNSON
Klinsmann has been pretty consistent in his choices for the outside backs: DeAndre Yedlin at right back, and Fabian Johnson at left back. Yedlin has been in and out of the lineup at Newcastle in the Championship this season, but has started the last four matches. Last weekend he made a great pass to setup a Yoan Gouffran goal:
🎥 THE WINNER: Great play by @yedlinny and a fine finish by Yoan Gouffran! #NUFC pic.twitter.com/IWuLswtZYu
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) November 5, 2016
Johnson, although he regularly plays in the midfield for Monchengladbach, is the best left back the US has by a considerable margin. His ability to join in on the attack will be important for the Yanks.
Timmy Chandler is making his case for playing time at right back as well, notching an assist of his own for Eintract Frankfurt on Saturday. Klinsmann may surprise us, but don’t expect to see Chandler start either game unless Yedlin struggles.
John Brooks is playing well for Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga and should be a lock at center-back for both games. As for his partner, with Geoff Cameron out we are giving the nod to Omar Gonzalez over Matt Besler. Gonzalez plays for Pachuca in the Mexican league, giving him a familiarity with many of the Mexican players, and he’s right-footed, making him a more natural fit with Brooks than the left-footed Besler. Klinsmann will have him on a short leash, however, so it would not be surprising to see Besler get the start against Costa Rica.
We can only hope Michael Orozco doesn’t make it anywhere near the pitch.