USA vs Algeria Squad Predictions

Ok readers. BIGGEST. GAME. EVER. Seriously. This is definitely the biggest game in USA soccer history. Bigger than the "shot heard 'round the world". Bigger than the USA vs Mexico game in the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup. Bigger than the Confederations Cup Final last summer. Believe it or not, USA soccer has come along way in the past 4 years. Take it from somebody who has monitored the situation, lets say, very closely. If the US fails to beat Algeria and in turn does not qualify for round of 16, the game here in the States will be set back another 4 years. Personally, I won't be able to stomach it. So, with that being said, lets get to the squad predictions:

Likely Lineup

-------------Altidore------------------------Buddle-------------

--------Dempsey------Edu--------Bradley------Donovan-------

----Bocanegra-----Onyewu----Demerit-----Cherundolo---

------------------------------Howard--------------------

Look for Buddle to fill in for the suspended Findley (which should have been done against the Slovenians) and Edu to replace Torres, given Edu's solid performance in the second half of the game vs Slovenia.

Alternate Lineup

----------------Altidore--------------Dempsey-------------

----Donovan----Clark-----Bradley----Holden/Beasley----

----Spector-----Bocanegra-----Demerit----Cherundolo---

-----------------------Howard-----------------------------

Some people feel Buddle isn't ready for a game of this magnitude and cite Dempsey's play in the second half of the Slovenia game as evidence of the change. I disagree on multiple accounts: 1) if Buddle isn't ready for a game like this, why would you, as a coach, even bring the guy? and 2) Dempsey will do work defensively on the wing which will be needed because Belhadj and the other winger will provide a handful. The defense has also been a hot topic over the past few days given Onyewu's dismal performance on Friday. I personally would like to see a change but I don't think it'll happen, especially given Bocanegra hasn't play centerback for the Stars and Stripes in months. Also, word on the street is Spector is in the worst form of his career, but surely it can't be any worse than a 100% Bornstein, right?? lol.

So yeah, that's what I see happening (scenario 1). However, I now have complete trust in Bob Bradley and I feel that any squad he puts out (with the exception of Bornstein) is capable of bringing home the vital 3 points. Again, THIS IS THE BIGGEST GAME IN USA SOCCER HISTORY! RISE UP!!! Let us know what you think with comments and be sure to look back on Thursday or Friday for a video with Dr. Bob and my reactions to the game. Seriously, a literal video haha... until then, DONT TREAD ON ME!

P.S. if anyone cannot tell, I'm super nervous about this game and would like to take this time to drop some knowledge on you guys. whenever im feeling like this, i just listen and watch this video and everything else just fades away......

-Clutch-