Slovenia v USA: Predicting Jurgen Klinsmann's Starting Lineup

After the United States' 1-0 loss to France on Friday at the Stade de France, Jurgen Klinsmann's players got a surprise visit from a world football legend.

“We had the pleasure to have Arsene Wenger come into the locker room talking to the players," said Klinsmann, "and he paid them a huge compliment.”

That's nice. But if the Americans want to start earning respect for winning matches—and not just playing well—their next chance comes Tuesday against Slovenia.

American fans will remember Slovenia well. It's the team that took a 2-0 lead against Team USA in last year's World Cup, only to see the Americans storm back for a 2-2 draw.

Yes, that was the Koman Coulibaly game.

(Shaking head.)

So, we know this game is winnable, despite Klinsmann's poor record (1-4-1) as manager.

Through six games in charge, Klinsmann's USA has scored only two goals. That means Klinsmann's team selection will have a major bearing on the result of the game.

Who will he select? Only he knows.

But we know who we'd select.

Formation: 4-1-3-2

Goalkeeper: Tim Howard

No explanation needed. Howard is the undisputed American No. 1.

Defense: Carlos Bocanegra, Clarence Goodson, Timmy Chandler, Steve Cherundolo

Bocanegra is the captain. He’s in.

Chandler is becoming an automatic first choice at left back.

We'd like to see Goodson return at center back, but we're afraid Klinsmann will recall Michael Orozco Fiscal. We say "afraid" because Orozco Fiscal has been pitiful every time he plays for the U.S.

But as bad as he's been, it’s hard to see Klinsmann putting Clarence Goodson right back in the lineup after his error led to France’s game-winning goal. Plus, Klinsmann seems to like Orozco Fiscal for some unknown reason.

On the right, we hope Klinsi gives a debut to Alfredo Morales of Hertha Berlin, who can play fullback and defensive midfield. But we’ll likely see more of Cherundolo, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Midfield: Danny Williams, Michael Bradley, Brek Shea, DaMarcus Beasley

It’s time for Klinsmann to play Williams in his preferred holding midfield position, so we're lobbying for him to play in the spot just ahead of the back four. Kyle Beckerman had a rough time against France, and he needs a break after a long MLS season.

The same could be said for Shea, but he needs more playing time to nurture his growing European profile. Pencil him in.

Bradley has been shown that he no longer has an automatic spot in the first team like he was under daddy. That’s a good thing, but we’d like to see him in the central midfield against Slovenia because of his physicality and ability to play from box to box.

Finally, we’d like to see Beasley on the right. His pace and control can stretch defenses, and that’s something the U.S. hasn’t done enough lately.

Forwards: Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey

Altidore was the best U.S. field player Friday against France. If he can find his touch, he could become a dangerous international striker.

Dempsey should play in a withdrawn role to complement the abilities and limitations of Bradley. As playmaker, he should influence every American attack.