re: How shaken up could our staring XI be by the time of the world cup?

For as bad as our backline looked yesterday, I took solace in the fact that (hopefully) Castillo, Gooch & Brooks likely won't even set foot in Brazil.

If Jurgen plays our best backline, Cam-Omar-Besler-Fab, then I'll feel decent about our chances of getting out of the group. Cameron is one of the best RB's in the EPL, Besler is the best CB in the MLS and Fab at one point was one of the top LB's in the bundesliga. Omar is the enigma of the group, but if he gives us a performance like he did at the Azteca, we'll be alright.


As for the front 6, obviously Bradley and Jones are entrenched at the two CM's – that won't change unless for injuries. We just have to hope that Jermaine knows that he is at his best when he sits back to help the backline, allowing for Bradley to push up when on the attack. In a few games when they are the midfield pair, it's been the opposite.

On the wings, you have to give Landon one of the spots and I think Jurgen knows this. Even at 32, he's still our most composed and creative player on the ball. If he's on the left, you probably have Bedoya or Zusi on the other side. Both have shown flashes, but I'm not sure of their quality when it comes to going up against top teams. If Landy plays the right, then maybe the left is where we can see Aron in the XI.

Barring injury, Dempsey will play in the hole regardless of his form within the next 3 months. He can do no wrong in Jurgen's eyes. I just wish Deuce would regain his edge on the pitch. Right now, he seems listless. I would bring up the idea of Aron in the hole while pushing Dempsey back out to the left, but there's no chance of that happening.

Jozy will, of course, play up top. His quality on the ball is undeniable. It just all comes down to service for him. I think with Bradley & Donovan in the midfield, Jozy will have a lot of opportunities.