As I mentioned in the introduction, trying to predict a starting line-up, especially in this situation is difficult. And, if you have read the middle articles in this series, then you know that even I am not one-hundred percent confident of what the line-up will be.
(If you’re looking for the entire predicted line-up in one spot, that is after the jump…)
U-20 USWNT Predicted Starting Line-Up:
Heaberlin (GK)
Dunn (RB) — Brannon (CB) — Kallman (CB) — Pathman (LB)
Killion (AM) — Johnston (HM) — Brian (AM)
Stengel (FW) — Horan (FW) — Ohai (FW)
Barring injuries, this is more-or-less the line-up I am expecting to start versus Guatemala. Notably, it is the same starting eleven in the first La Manga test match (versus Switzerland), and except for Roccaro instead of Brannon, this is the same line-up as the second scrimmage during the January camp. But, there are uncertainties for some of the positions: e.g., Dunn or Roccaro at right outside-back, Johnston or Mewis in the midfield, Stengel or Obogagu at forward. Plus there is the pesky one holding-mid or two holding-mid question.
In the later matches, there will most likely be some line-up changes in order to rest and protect players, (especially given the tropical climate) though hopefully no changes due to injuries, but that is always a possibility.
(Also, if you’re counting, there’s nine starters from the ACC, including the recently enrolled Heaberlin.)
To learn more about my decision process, as well as to see player capsules for each of the 20 players on the roster, check out the following links.
This Series: (1) Intro; (2) Goalkeepers; (3) Defenders; (4) Midfielders; (5) Forwards; and (6) Conclusion.
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If you want to discuss this line-up, please comment on the most appropriate article. E.g., if you’re only discussing the backline, then post a comment on the article about defenders
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