Pre-match: USA-Mexico WCQ, Columbus, Ohio, 11 November 2016

I'm going to wait until the start of the game to figure out who goes where when they're standing on the field.

 

------Wood--Jozy------
Johnson--Pulisic--Chandler
------Bradley--Jones------
---Besler-Brooks-gonzo---

or

--------Wood--Jozy-----
--Johnson----------Pulisic
-------Bradley-Jones-------
Besler-Brooks-Gonzo-Chandler

 

No, if it is a 3-5-2 it allows Johnson to get up field more on the left, and Chandler has been excellent doing the same on the right for his club. In particular this would let Johnson get in to the attack more than if he was playing left back.

 

They have Guardado-Herrera as their CM axis, with Rafa right behind.

Speed would kill them dead.

 

Never thought I'd see the day when someone is clamoring for MOF to start.

 

Hopefully it is clear with the players.

 

Did the US team even try playing that kind of formation before? I don't remember, but I can't claim that I have watched every game.
Afraid, that we will see an incoherent first half, followed by switch of formation in the second.

 

The pre game show is calling it a 3-5-2 FWIW

 

I've been wanting to try a 3-5-2 for a while. This is quite the spot to trot it out.

 

They're a group of players that "are doing well individually". Awesome, their is no I in team or something.

 

If the pregame show is anything to go by then apparently neither. 3-5-2 with Pulisic as the LCM to Bradleys holding CM.

 

Jurgen stealing the spotlight this week, only reason he is doing this lol

Seriously very curious to see how this goes

 

Corona as a wingback, that is very aggressive.

 

Klinsi, you stole my line up....haha.

 

He was objectively one of the best right backs in Brazil. He has been one of the more reliable players for us since then playing out of position. He is in our top 3 players. I know I'm not alone on this.

 

That will make Pulisic play AM. I believe that might be his position eventually, but not at this stage. Klinsman takes Pulisic from his preferred position to accommodate Chandler. Who will probably suck anyway.

 

My guess is FabJo is on the right, Pulisic on the left. Amazing call, overall, though.

 

Interesting formation. I would like to see what space Chandler and Pulisic actually occupy during the run of play.

 

Are you not watching the pre-game show? They have it as a 3-5-2 with the 5 being Johnson -- Pulisic -- Jones -- Bradley -- Chandler

 

I really like this mix of players. I'll believe the 3-5-2 when I see it. If so, it's an interesting approach that I wouldn't have guessed was coming. Klinsmann is basically telling Mexico you're not going to out system us and to beat us straight up in Columbus.

 

Im not saying you are wrong; but what's to prevent JK trotting out the 3-5-2 as a line up, and then setting up in a 4-4-2 at kickoff?

 

----------Jozy---------Wood---------
--------------CP----------------------
-----------Bradley---Jones--------
Johnson----------------Chandler
-----Besler-Brooks-Gonzo------

Thats pretty crazy

 

Exactly why FJ is soooo excited in the picture!

FJ: Hooray! I'm in midfield!


(Edited in case you thought FJ was excited you were going straight for the vodka )

 

I think the 352 does the most efficient job of getting our best players on the field in their best positions. It's a risk because we've never really tried it recently, but on paper this is a great looking squad. It would look even better with Cameron at RCB.