Poll -- US Starting Forwards vs. El Salvador

[Mr Martin]

OK, posting our preferred lineups is standard fun prior to a match. Two other threads have that going. But polls are good for trying to find what the consensus might be.

So, assuming a 4-4-2 formation, who will the two starting forwards be against El Salvador?

[fidlerre]

McBride & Wolff

[onefineesq]

McBride & Wolff

That's who I chose. Mind you, I'm not saying that I would start them .......... but your questions speaks to who Bruce will start.

[fischerw]

McBride & Wolff

I agree. There will be plenty of time for the whole "power forward" thing with Ching and Casey. Don't get me wrong, I like Ching a lot (Casey less), but I think it's time McBride played the bulk of the game, and I think Wolff can still get it done.

Bill

[Mr Martin]

...... but your questions speaks to who Bruce will start.

Correct.

[Franchise]

What has caused the sudden resurgence in interest in Wolff? I don't dislike him, but I don't get it. What does he have that can't come from Johnson, Buddle, Donovan, and Ching?

(This really is an earnest question for those that chose him, not a "you suck if you think Wolff is any good" message.)

[fidlerre]

The question was asked as to who Bruce will start...

Bruce likes Wolff. I don't mind Wolff personally, he has shown in the past that he can and does get it done on the international level as a "speedy" kinda forward. Which is why Bruce calls him up and pairs him with a "big" fella like McBride.

Johnson, Buddle might be the answer in the futre but Bruce isn't going to start someone in El Salvador in a WCQer that has never before started, yet along played in a full national team match.

[RUUDVN]

McBride & Wolff

I rather have Edi Johnson and Brian Ching combination.

[HogDaddy]

What has caused the sudden resurgence in interest in Wolff? I don't dislike him, but I don't get it. What does he have that can't come from Johnson, Buddle, Donovan, and Ching?



Prior experience in qualifiers. Donovan will be playing midfield, so that's why I didn't select him. Ching is a good choice, but I don't think Bruce will select him. I thought about choosing Ching. In my mind, it's close between him and Wolff. Ching has shown he can play well on the road. But Bruce has shown a real tendency to go for experience when playing on the road. And I don't expect Buddle or Johnson to get their first start in a road qualifier. That would be way out of character.

I'm trying to predict what will be the actual lineup, not my personal choices.

[SABuffalo786]

I think McBride needs to start. His past record versus the Sallies is too great to ignore and I think his goal against Boston United really gave him a lot of confidence.

Ching or Casey to partner.


Johnson and whoever doesn't start between Ching and Casey as subs.

[Deuteriumoxide]

Mathis (other) and Ching.

[Mr Martin]

Mathis (other) and Ching.

MATHIS! That was a logical option I forgot to include among the forwards. I thought about including Buddle, but he hasn't even sat the bench as an invited spectator, like Johnson and Gavin have.

I even thought about including Jovan K as an option, but I didn't want to get posters sidetracked... :D

[bing1985]

Call it a hunch, call it wishful thinking - I voted for Bruce to go Wolff and Ching.

Ching gives him size and has done well with recent Nat opportunities.
Wolff gives him speed and a left-footed finisher (I think that's correct).

Plus I could see him banking on some Donovan/Ching chemistry on the right.
...and Wolff/DMB chemistry on the left - they were together for a spell in Chicago.

[SABuffalo786]

Ching or Casey to partner.



Scratch that, I'd like to see Ching start. He played well in Foxboro and got a goal. Give him another chance at the Sallies. I think he'll do well.


Johnson and Casey as subs to keep up the bigger is better strategy.

[Brushes Sand]

Mathis (other) and Ching.


Great minds think alike....


If Lando can be listed in the midfield and forward poll,
why can't Mathis be listed in the forward poll,
and why can't Johnson be listed in the midfield poll?
(for reasons why asking will post preferred and expected
lineup in XI thread)....

-bs

[Adam Zebrowski]

I'd start out with wollf and mcbride, then bring mathis on for mcbride at 60 minutes

[Tobas]

Call it a hunch, call it wishful thinking - I voted for Bruce to go Wolff and Ching.This was my vote too.

Wolff is the experienced fast forward that is playing well and regularly for his club side.
Ching is the big somewhat experienced forward that is playing well and regularly for his club side.
McBride has not been playing regularly enough right now for the start.
Donovan will be in the midfield.
Mathis will likely be on the bench but is more help in an AM/3rd forward position.

[Franchise]

Well, it seems those of us that picked Ching are now officially wrong. I didn't think the injury was serious. Oh well. Even without him, I'm predicting 4 points from the two games, with 6 more likely than 2 or 3. On the road first, I can see why people are saying Wolff is most lkely to pair with McBride, but I would like to see Johnson. Perhaps at home EJ will make his first WCQ start.

[Mr Martin]

Well, it seems those of us that picked Ching are now officially wrong.

Ching was in the top 2 in the poll, until Arena announced his roster... ;)

Consensus clearly seems to be for McBride and Wolff after 60 votes.