re: 2018 World Cup Starting XI

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What's the story on Hyndman? What's his game like?

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Here's a good article:

LINK /

This guy Kyle Scott is blowing up in Chelsea's youth program, too.

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you don't think he could be a Davis, Beckerman or Buddle and get hot at the right moment?

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Maybe, but as our starting center back? I'm not sure.

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Post yours, will bump this thread in 4 years if I'm right

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You will not be right. I started the 2014 projection thread four years ago, which I linked in another thread a few weeks ago. I got 3/11 right (Howard, Dempsey, Bradley). Virtually everyone who posted in that thread looks really stupid in hindsight. It really is too early. We have no idea who will break out and who will take steps back and/or get bit by the injury bug. That said, we can try to name a few, I guess. I think these guys have a pretty good shot at starting:

Guzan
Yedlin
Green
Johnson
Bradley
Besler
Altidore

Those are the only seven I'd put ~50% chance or greater of starting (and honestly, even that number's probably too generous). The only three names on my list I'd be very, very surprised if they aren't starting are Johnson, Altidore and Bradley (I would add Guzan, too, but I wouldn't be shocked if Howard gives it one more go and gets the nod. Don't think it will happen, but wouldn't be shocked.) I also have a gut feeling Dempsey will be on the roster and an important factor off the bench in 2018. Just a gut feeling.

God I hope some of our youth playing abroad work out.

I likey.

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who was the 2014 Starting XI for those looking from 2010?

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Here's the thread again, just for fun:

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ETA: I said I got 3/11 right, but I guess it was 4. Altidore, Dempsey, Howard, Bradley. Still, 4/11... not great.

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Luis Gil

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Another with a tremendous future

Obviously complete guesswork but as of now I'd go:

GK - Guzan
RB - Cameron
CB - Gonzalez
CB - Besler
LB - Fabian Johnson
RM - Yedlin
CM - Bradley
LM - Green
CAM - Diskerud
F - Johannson
ST - Boyd

I'm sure there will be a bunch of players that I haven't even heard of right now that could possibly start in 18 and injuries could obviously change up a lot of this. I've got a pretty similar list to you. With Beasley out I see the need for speed at that left back position and think Johnson is up for it. My biggest question mark is Cameron. I have him at RB, but am not sure how a 32 year old would hold up running the amount that fullbacks generally have to run. I love Altidore, but unless he somehow regains his confidence in the next year I struggle to see him starting in four years. Hope I'm completely wrong though.

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You will not be right. I started the 2014 projection thread four years ago, which I linked in another thread a few weeks ago. I got 3/11 right (Howard, Dempsey, Bradley). Virtually everyone who posted in that thread looks really stupid in hindsight. It really is too early. We have no idea who will break out and who will take steps back and/or get bit by the injury bug

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I know - my statement was tongue-in-cheek. This was for funsies more than anything else.

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I also have a gut feeling Dempsey will be on the roster and an important factor off the bench in 2018.

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Interdasting - I will say he is driven. Here's to the next four years of anticipation.

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I love Altidore, but unless he somehow regains his confidence in the next year I struggle to see him starting in four years. Hope I'm completely wrong though.

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Yes his career has been streaky. That being said, with proper service he can be a true danger man again. I think he's only 26, so good years can be had ahead.

I'm gutted he couldn't play this WC - it would've made us much more complete, IMO. Clint couldn't be creative Clint as much w/o Young Josmer.

Boyd is kind of a wildcard - if he can be that target forward for the future it will greatly enhance out depth up top.