Predicting the United States Starting XI for World Cup Qualifying

The United States men's national team opens their qualifying campaign for the 2014 World Cup on June 8th against Antigua & Barbuda.

While it's likely not going to be the most competitive match ever played, it will provide the first look at what players Jurgen Klinsmann wants on the field when the results actually matter.

So who will Klinsmann pick as the U.S. tries to qualify for its seventh consecutive World Cup?

Here are my predictions.

Tim Howard (GK)

If you want to bet your mortgage on any player in this starting lineup, Tim Howard is where you put your money.

He's the best U.S. keeper by a country mile, and barring injury or catastrophic loss of form, he will never leave the field for Klinsmann from now until he decides to hang up his international cleats.

Fabian Johnson (LB)

With apologies to Eric Lichaj, left-back for the United States currently comes down to a decision between Fabian Johnson and Timmy Chandler.

But with Johnson playing the position with Hoffenheim each week and Chandler a right-midfielder for Nurnberg, Johnson should get the nod come qualifying.

Steve Cherundolo (RB)

Steve Cherundolo is old, and he'll be even older if the United States makes it to Brazil in 2014.

But for now, he is the best right-back in the national team.

Again, Timmy Chandler is the next-best option (and probably Cherundolo's long-term replacement).

But Klinsmann will go for the proven commodity rather than trying to convert Chandler for qualifying.

Carlos Bocanegra (CB)

Carlos Bocanegra is the only center-back available to Klinsmann, who can consistently be counted on to play well at the international level.

He is generally required to do his job as well as provide reliable cover for the mistakes of the players who line up next to him in the center.

Whether the 32-year-old will be able to keep age at bay for 2014 is up for debate, but he will be the key central defender to see the U.S. through qualifying.

Oguchi Onyewu (CB)

Oguchi Onyewu has never been the most positionally astute defender, but he is big and physical, and no one else has distinguished themselves during his injury-forced absence.

The Sporting Lisbon man will be freshly returned to the field as qualifying begins.

U.S. fans will hope he doesn't repeat the abysmal form he displayed last time he was freshly returned from injury ahead of a major competition (South Africa 2010).

Michael Bradley (CM)

One of the great things about his father being fired is that people are starting to truly appreciate Michael Bradley.

Bradley is the best holding midfield player in the U.S. pool.

He proves it weekly with Chievo, where he duels with some of the world's premier playmakers and more than holds his own.

Whether Klinsmann goes with one or two defensive-minded midfielders, Bradley will be on the field.

Jermaine Jones (CM)

If Klinsmann is comfortable with one holding midfielder, Jermaine Jones could be displaced by a player like Jose Torres.

But I believe he will go with Jones in an effort to provide some attacking threat without sacrificing a strong defensive foundation.

Jones can get nasty in the midfield with the best of them, but he also has enough craft about his game to play the occasional killer ball.

This midfield position will be the most fluid of any on the pitch, but Jones will get the chance to make his case first.

Clint Dempsey (CAM)

I'm calling this position a central attacking midfielder, but it really comes down to "Hey Clint, do whatever you want."

With his past couple seasons at Fulham, Dempsey is establishing himself as the best field player the United States has ever produced.

Come this summer, opponents will rightfully consider him the most dangerous player on the field for the Nats.

If Dempsey's rumored move to a top EPL club happens this summer, U.S. fans can look forward to an even more polished attacker fueling their side through qualifying.

Timmy Chandler (RW)

Timmy Chandler can get up and down the right side of the field.

His speed will allow him to menace defenders as well as track back and help Steve Cherundolo when necessary.

Although the Nurnberg player could easily slip into one of the outside defensive roles, I think Klinsmann will see the benefit in keeping Chandler in the position he is honing in the Bundesliga.

Landon Donovan (LW)

Landon Donovan will move to the left wing to accommodate the inclusion of Chandler on the right.

Donovan has proven the ability to operate effectively on either side of the pitch, so the move shouldn't concern anyone.

Klinsmann has made noises about the team moving along in Donovan's extended absence from the team, but the United States is nowhere near the point yet where a player of Donovan's quality can realistically be left out of the team.

I am, of course, only assuming that Donovan will be available for qualifying.

After all, I'm starting to forget what he looks like in the U.S. kit.

Jozy Altidore (ST)

I should say that I don't believe Jozy Altidore is good enough to be the striker for a truly competitive international side.

He's still young and could change that.

But even considering his current season at AZ Alkmaar, I don't think he has so far.

But when it comes to the World Cup final, the United States is still not a "truly competitive side" (i.e. one that can win the tournament).

With two years to go before Brazil, there is plenty of time for another player to emerge. But at present, Altidore's the man.