This Wednesday, the U.S. takes on Switzerland at St. Jakob Park in Basel. U.S. coach Bob Bradley has taken this opportunity to blood a few young players into the senior squad.

The squad features seven uncapped players, an two with only a single cap to their names.

Maurice Edu (Toronto FC, MLS) is a strong midfielder who normally plays in a holding roll. Despite Toronto FC being second to last on the league table, Edu has been a bright spot for the expansion team in his first professional season. Edu is just less than two years removed from leading Maryland to an NCAA national championship. I’m a big fan of Edu, and I think he could be an important peace come Olympic qualifying.

Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake, MLS) is another member of that 2005 national championship team. Seitz was the starting keeper for the U-20s at the World Cup this summer, and he is a frontrunner to be member of the 2008 Olympic squad should the U.S. qualify. This isn’t his first call into camp, as he was prepared to replace Tim Howard in the match against Brazil before Howard decided to stay on the field.

Danny Szetela (Racing Santander, Spain) started for the U-20s as well, and was able to turn a strong World Cup into a contract with La Liga side Racing Santander. Szetela is capable of playing across the midfield but is most comfortable in the center.

Preston Zimmerman (Hamburg SV, Germany) spends most of his time with Hamburg’s reserve side, but the 18 year old is on the cusp of a regular roster spot with the first team. A late addition to the U-20s following Johann Smith’s injury, Zimmerman is a future prospect for the U.S. in a variety of attacking positions.

Steve Purdy (1860 Munich, Germany) signed on with Munich’s other team in January after starting 80 of 82 career games for the University of California Golden Bears. He is looking for his first cap and should be in the mix for Olympic qualification.

Tally Hall (Esbjerg fB, Denmark) is in his first full professional season in the Danish Superliga, and the goalkeeper is in his first U.S. senior squad training camp. Probably will not get his first cap, but he is one for the future.

Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake, MLS) also qualifies to play for Trinidad and Tobago through his parents, who imigrated to the U.S. He has previously been called into U-23 T&T camps, but has not been capped for the full squad, making him available to the U.S. Will most likely get his first cap against Switzerland.

Freddy Adu (Benfica, Portugal) and Sal Zizzo (Hannover 96, Germany) have both recieved caps. Adu is the youngest player ever to be capped for the U.S., being just 16 years old when he came on for Eddie Johnson against Canada in January 2006. Zizzo received his first cap earlier this year against Switzerland. Both played on the U-20 team.

Eddie Lewis (Derby County, England) and Marcus Hahnemann (Reading, England) are two premiership starters who are making their first appearances in a national team training camp since the 2006 World Cup.

Expect the U.S. to play in their traditional 4-4-2, though a 4-3-3 is also likely. A back four of Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock, Germany), Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham, England), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Leíge, Beligum), and Steve Cherundulo (Hannover 96, Germany) is expected, with Bob Bradley giving Pearce another shot to make his case for the left back spot.

If in a 4-4-2, expect Michael Bradley (Heereveen, Holland) and Benny Feilhaber (Derby County, England) to retain their spots in the midfield. Bradley could start Feilhaber on the right and Damarcus Beasley (Rangers, Scotland) on the left, and hand Edu or Szetela a start in the middle, but will most likely play Beasley on the right and Lewis on the left, leaving Feilhaber in the center. Another option is Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England) in a midfield spot instead of Lewis, which would make Adu the favorite to partner Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution, MLS) up top. Most likely it will be Lewis, Bradley, Feilhaber, Beasley in the midfield and Dempsey and Twellman up top.

If Bradley decides to go with a 4-3-3 against the stingy swiss defense, a midfield of Bradley and Feilhaber along with another youngster is likely. Szetela, Edu or Adu could play here (provided Adu plays in the attacking role), or Dempsey as well. Up top, Beasley and Dempsey would most likely play behind Twellman, but if Dempsey slips into the midfield, Adu could find himself in a forward position.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The article below is a predictions article. See the official USMNT 2010 World Cup Squad.

The draw for the 2010 World Cup is here. Fixtures will be up shortly.

Here we preview who will make the World Cup squad in 2010 for the United States. Opinions, recent performances, and tactical decisions are all factored into the decision. Updates will be posted regularly, as the season goes on.

SURE THINGS

Landon Donovan – M/F – Los Angeles Galaxy (USA)

No way Bob Bradley leaves the U.S.’s most explosive player behind come 2010. His only problem will be finding where to place him in the lineup.

Damarcus Beasley – M/F – Rangers (SCOT)

Beasley already has UEFA Champions League experience with PSV, and will get more this year with Rangers. Has locked down the left winger role, even with the likes of Bobby Convey and Freddy Adu behind him.

Carlos Bocanegra – D – Fulham (ENG)

Becoming a better player by the game, Boca is a default starter in the center for the U.S.

Clint Dempsey – M/F – Fulham (ENG)

Has been excelling for club and country as of late. Dempsey’s resurgence has forced Donovan to the right wing, with Dempsey claiming his favored second-striker position.

Michael Bradley – M – Heerenven (HOL)

A starter for both club and country, Bradley has proved his critics wrong with his recent performances. His performance against Brazil was excellent, barring the last 5 minutes. Tends to collect cautions, but that should straighten out as he matures.

Steve Cherundulo – D – Hannover 96 (GER)

Some say he is too small, but Cherundulo is the best fullback in the U.S. pool. Barring injury, he will be in the starting XII should the U.S. qualify.

Tim Howard – GK – Everton (ENG)

The best keeper in the U.S. pool, bar none. Has excelled at Everton the past year, and will be between the sticks in South Africa.

GOOD BETS

Benny Feilhaber – M – Derby County (ENG)

Has yet to get settled at relegation favorite Derby, but Feilhaber will find his way into the starting lineup. Versatile, Feilhaber can play on the right, as an attacking mid, or in a holding role. Should make the squad for the trip to South Africa.

Oguchi Onyewu – D – Standard Liège – (BEL)

Physically impressive, Onyewu has been mistake prone as of late. His stint at Newcastle found him wanting, but had a solid game against Brazil (own goal was not his fault) barring missing his assignment on Lucio’s header. The favorite to partner Boca in the center.

Jay Demerit – D – Watford (ENG)

Demerit was one of the few bright spots during Watford’s 2006-2007 Premiership campaign that saw them relegated. Having spurned offers from Fulham, ‘Boro, and Portsmouth, Demerit has said he will consider his options should Watford not gain promotion. In a battle with Onyewu to partner Boca in the middle.

Jonathan Bornstein – D – C.D. Chivas USA (USA)

Bob Bradley’s favorite left back, though many question why. Has been serviceable, but not outstanding, for the U.S.

Bobby Convey – M – Reading (ENG)

Injuries had seen Convey lose his spot in the squad since the 2006 World Cup. Personally, I believe he should be tried out at left back, a position he that he has dabbled in in the past.

Jonathan Spector – D – West Ham (ENG)

Versatility is Spector’s game. While he has stated that playing in the center is his dream, the fact that he provides consistent depth across the back line is his main selling point. A smart defender, he will challenge for the left back spot and possibly for a spot in the center.

Eddie Johnson – F – Kansas City Wizards (USA)

Everything has been said about Johnson’s lack of finishing on the international stage, but 11 goals in 30 international appearances is not a bad record. His speed and strength are an asset to the U.S. squad. His much rumored move to Derby County would do much for his development.

Jozy Altidore – F – Red Bull New York (USA)

Jozy seems to be the striker of the future for the U.S. Many want to see him thrown into the fire right away, but waiting until qualifying may be the best bet. An appearance against St. Kitts or some other CONCACAF minnow would do much for his confidence.

Freddy Adu - M/F – Benfica (POR)

Arguably the most hyped player in the U.S. pool, Adu will have just turned 20 when the 2010 World Cup opens. Hasn’t seen any first team action since the managerial change at Benfica, but should develop enough to be a force for the U.S.

Brad Guzan - GK – C.D. Chivas USA (USA)

One of a large number of quality young American keepers, Guzan has essentially been the third choice keeper since last summer. He should back up Howard come 2o1o.

Frank Simek – D – Sheffield Wednesday (ENG)

Wednesday has been laying some eggs as of late, so here is to hope that Simek stands out.

Ricardo Clark – M – Houston Dynamo (USA)

Clark has been amazing presence in the Dynamo midfield, being an anchor for the team that won the 2006 MLS Cup. He is included here instead of Mastroeni due to his offensive effect from the holding role and his greater atheltic and tackling ability.

Those are the 19 players that should make it. The other 4? Thats the real question.

BATTLING

Kyle Beckerman (M, Real Salt Lake) – Good two way midfielder, will add much depth during quailifying.

Danny Szetela (M, Racing Santander) – His move to Spain will give him playing time, but it’s still early.

Taylor Twellman (F, New England Revolution) – Great domestically, but he has failed to make an impact on the international level.

Brian Ching (F, Houston Dynamo) – The most likely from this group to make the team, it may be Ching’s chemistry with the U.S. midfield gives him an edge.

Johann Smith (F, Bolton) – The speedster needs some first team action to be considered, much potential here.

Heath Pearce (D, Hansa Rostock) – My personal choice for left back, but has traditionally been ignored by national squad coaches. His first Bundesliga season will provide an excellent litmus test.

Marcus Hahnemann (GK, Reading) – Reading hasn’t been outstanding, and neither as Hahnemann.

Chris Seitz (GK, Real Salt Lake) – Look for him to take over the full time starting role at RSL sometime soon. Tons of potential.

Quentin Westberg (GK, ES Troyes) – Stuck with a bad club and inept manager, Westberg needs to look to transfer come January.

Michael Parkhurst (D, New England Revolution) – Good in MLS, but it has yet to be shown if he can be a force internationally.

Sal Zizzo (M/F, Hannover 96) – Young with potential, but needs first team action.

Josh Wolff (M/F, 1860 Munich) – Plays in the midfield at 1860, but it looks like Wolff is losing a step.

Pablo Mastroeni (M, Colorado Rapids) – A card producing machine, Mastroeni looks to be one of the players left behind as the newest batch of midfielders come into the fold.

Kasey Keller (GK, Fulham) – He will be 40 in 2010. Not an unheard of age for someone to appear at a World Cup, but it is still old.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The Daily Mail reported yesterday that Argentina international and current Villareal benchwarmer Juan Román Riquelme is Sven-Goran Eriksson’s main target for the January transfer window. Riquelme hasn’t been a part of Villareal’s excellent start in La Liga, lead by former Manchester United and Parma striker Giuseppe Rossi. The Daily Mail reported it would cost a mere £6million to bring Riquelme to North England.

If I’m Eriksson, this has to be my priority. It’s obvious that Villareal has moved on without Riquelme, who is just months removed from leading Boca Juniors to the 2007 Copa Libertadores title, would fit right in with the way Manchester City is playing right now. The passing game at Manchester City is what Riquelme does best, and I believe he would slide into that midfield effortlessly.

Critics will say that Manchester City already has someone at Riquelme’s position – Elano – but I believe that could be fit on the same field together. I am a huge Elano fan, even though I did not see him much until this summer’s Copa America. He has had an impressive start to the Premiership season, and him and Riquelme operating together might just give Manchester City a shot at the title.

Elano has been playing behind a lone striker so far, and Riquelme could slide right next to him or a little behind provided a defensive midfielder is deployed behind both of them, and City have one in Dietmar Hamann. Don’t think a manager like Eriksson couldn’t find a way to fit both these guys on the field at the same time.

Riquelme is sill one of the best midfielders in the game, and while he may not be a main player for Argentina over the next year, there is no shame in losing your spot to the Messi(ah). Manchester City has been great this year, but this move could solidify a Champions League spot for next year.

What do you think – should Eriksson move for Riquelme? With Chelsea wobbling, could Riquelme’s inclusion fire Manchester City into the top four and thus into the Champions League?

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Chelsea fans should be worried.

The man that brought Chelsea at least one of every major domestic title has finally left the club. I can’t say I am surprised, as the clashes between Jose Mourinho and billionaire owner Roman Abramovich have been widely covered. The Russian finally won out, and Chelsea is left with an interim manager who isn’t half of what Jose was.

The Special One wasn’t afraid to bruise egos or change his tactics to appease Abramovich or any player. Much has been said of the treasure chest worth of signings Mourinho has received over the past few years. However, it is hardly mentioned how Mourinho handled the signings.

International and European stars such as William Gallas, Michael Ballack, and Andriy Shevchenko are among the casualties of Mourinho’s only desire: to win. Gallas, Ballack, and Shevchenko all either did not perform, or did not fit into Mourinho’s tactical decisions, and he wasn’t afraid to put them on the bench. Instead, Mourinho relied on the previously maligned Didier Drogba and stalwarts Frank Lampard and John Terry, along with his squad rotation system to win, among other things, 2 Premier League titles. Ultimately, this is probably what led to his departure from Chelsea, particularly with the Shevchenko situation.

Chelsea can almost kiss Lampard goodbye. He has long been rumored of a move away from Stamford Bridge, and was a big fan of Mourinho. If things do not go well, look to him to finally make a move to Italy or Spain.

With Mourinho gone, I don’t know if Chelsea can place in the top four this season, and will probably have to settle for a UEFA Cup spot or worse.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News