re: United States of F#ck Yeah @ Sheep Herders | 2 p.m. | ESPN2

Donovan as a deep-lying CM, where half his game would be spent defending, winning the ball back, and starting the attack 60 yards from goal? That would be absolutely retarded. He's never played that deep, and we would basically be overrun in midfield by any team. He's a playmaker, he needs to be close to the striker or other playmakers. He doesn't need to be putting a shift in at CM, which is an all-action position.

We could possibly play AJ right behind Jozy, though I don't mind LD in the no.10 role.

--------------------Jozy-------------------
Dempsey--------AJ--------Donovan
------------Bradley---Jones-----------
FJ--------Besler------Gonzo--------Lichaj

I would be down for this.

I like that lineup but I can't see Jurgen dropping Beasley out of the XI.

Also, Jurgen said Evans is the starting RB as of now so Lichaj and company really need to make a strong push from now until the summer to take Evans' spot.

I do worry about Dempsey and Donovan cutting inside too much though.

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Rb is more of a ??? For me, but that is our best possible lineup in my uneducated opinion.

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I still think the only reason Cherundolo is not our starting RB in Brazil is if he is still having knee issues.

Jurgen loves him and he is the veteran presence needed for a backline that will be extremely green.

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I'm not sure about Donovan though. I don't really see him as a winger anymore. He looked so good centrally in the GC and he really has, with Bradley, one of the best soccer minds on the team. He knows how to move, how to pass, how to set up play, etc. He's a great catalyst centrally.

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Obviously you missed timlan's post.

Regarding Shea, didn't Stoke's manager say that he was loaning Shea out to the Championship in January?

My preferred lineup for next summer would look like this:


Dempsey is perfect cutting inside on his right foot and making late, poaching runs into the box. He was in his prime in england when playing on the left, and not trying to do to much like he is now as our no.10; Donovan looked superb for the U.S. centrally in the gold cup, and he is our best playmaker and no.10, him and Deuce could make interchanging runs in the final third underneath Jozy. With Dempsey tucked in, this allows Fabian Johnson to blaze up the left flank all match. Zusi on the right stays wide, provides width, great service to Jozy and has a great engine, he puts in serious work on the defensive end. the right side would have a great work rate with Zusi/Dolo.

Besler's pace, distribution and ability to read the game make him a lock to start. I'd go with Omar, but John Brooks starting a game or 2 in the WC would be nice.

If we need a spark off the bench around 65-70', bring in AJ for Zusi, slide Donovan wide right and play AJ underneath with Zusi. Or take Jones out, let Bradley sit deeper and let Mix play an attacking midfielder role.

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And gets us raped on the counter.

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Not if Bradley and Jones don't creep too far out of position.