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The current roster for the USMNT brought about much confusion, which is becoming a trademark of Jurgen Klinsmann. His choices must pay off as CONCACAF World Cup qualifying begins on Friday. Fortunately the opponent, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is the closest thing to a pushover there is in the region. However, CONCACAF is always uncertain, so there is still room for doubt when predicting a USMNT victory on Friday night in St. Louis.
Douglas Smith is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DFresh39, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
GK - Tim Howard
Getty ImagesHoward and Brad Guzan are basically level at this point. However, Guzan's club situation is much more unstable. Klinsmann tends to use the club situation in his evaluation of a player. It would be no surprise if Guzan starts.
LB - Tim Ream
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY SportsAt this point Ream is a good fit as a CONCACAF player. He could evolve into more and continues to experience a good run of form with his club team. He could play all over the back four with the right side being his weakest. However, it would not be a surprise if Ream went to the right side with Klinsmann favoring Fabian Johnson on the left.
CB - Geoff Cameron
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY SportsCameron should be the top center back on the current roster, especially given the issues with the back line over the last year. He's good in the air and will do his best to bail out the rest of the defense when needed.
CB - Matt Besler
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY SportsBesler starts because he seems to work well with Cameron next to him. He does not instill confidence, but his partner will help. Besler has also had some time to rest. That should be evident on Friday. Matt Miazga should replace Besler late in the match to cap tie the youngster.
RB - Fabian Johnson
Getty ImagesJohnson could start in three or four places since Klinsmann rebuilt the bridge that was seemingly burned by the Borussia Monchengladbach player. If Ream does not start Johnson will go to the left and Michael Orozco could move to the edge.
DM - Kyle Beckerman
Getty ImagesIt is a bit troubling that Beckerman is still with the team, but if he is there he likely starts in the defensive midfielder role. Everyone knows what he can give and that will allow others to be more creative.
M - Jermaine Jones
Getty ImagesJones is in the same category as Beckerman in that it is unlikely either make the next World Cup. Jones's inclusion in the starting lineup means the team starts in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2, but Jones will roam with Beckerman behind him.
LM - Gyasi Zardes
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsZardes is a darling in Klinsmann's eyes and will keep getting chances to shine. He has been good in his other starts, but still may be better playing up top. However, this is the type of match that could favor his style of play.
CM - Michael Bradley
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsThis is a standard position at this point. No Clint Dempsey means that Bradley will be the facilitator.
RM - Brek Shea
Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsThis is the spot that has the most uncertainty. There is more flexibility in the back line, which can shift the outside midfielders. This could easily be DeAndre Yedlin. Darlington Nagbe could see time here later in the match to cap tie the newcomer. Shea always gets his chances under Klinsmann, so he will find some playing time in the next two games.
F - Jozy Altidore
Getty ImagesAltiode is the best target forward in the camp, so he will get the start for this match. Bobby Wood has been on better form for the USMNT, but it would be a surprise for him to get a start. Klinsmann has talked positively about Altidore, so hopefully the positive reinforcement helps.
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