SURE THING
Tim Howard - Goalkeeper - Everton FC - This is the surest of sure things. Howard gives any team he's on the chance to win with tremendous saves and leadership.
Landon Donovan - Midfielder - LA Galaxy - This is quite possibly Landon Donovan's best year with the US. Hasn't scored as many goals as past years, but he's usually been involved in every single one.
Carlos Bocanegra - Defender - Stade Rennais - Captain America will be there, especially with all the injuries in the central backfield.
Michael Bradley - Midfielder - Borussia Monchengladbach - Bradley followed up his goal against Costa Rica with a screamer for his club against German champs Wolfsburg.
Josmer Altidore - Forward - Hull City FC - With Davies out, Jozy now becomes the best forward in the US arsenal, not exactly a job I like heaping on a 20 year old, but its the truth.
Clint Dempsey - Midfielder - Fulham FC - Dempsey missed the last two WCQ's with a shoulder sprain, but returned to action with his club team and played well. One of the best creators the US has.
GOOD BET
Oguchi Onyewu - Defender - AC Milan - His injured knee is obviously concerning, but with eight months until the World Cup, and Gooch being our best defender, odds are, he's there.
Steve Cherundolo - Defender - Hannover 96 - The Bundesliga experience will keep his place on the team. Bob seems to enjoy interchanging him and Spector.
Jonathan Spector - Defender - West Ham United - His ability to play anywhere on the backline means that his place is pretty much assured.
Ricardo Clark - Midfielder - Houston Dynamo - The only healthy, pure midfield destroyer right now, but is definitely serviceable there.
Maurice Edu - Midfielder - Glasgow Rangers FC - Once healthy its hard imagining him not in South Africa, especially since he can play CB in a pinch.
Jay DeMerit - Defender - Watford FC - Needed surgery for his eye, which will see him out 2-3 months, but established himself as the No. 3 CB.
Brad Guzan - Goalkeeper - Aston Villa FC - As good of a backup as anyone could ask for. Would like to see him get time in some minor competitions though.
PROBABLE
Jermaine Jones - Midfielder - FC Schalke 04 - Once he's in camp he'll show what all the uproar is about. Will quickly rise to the occasion as the best destroyer in the US pool.
Benny Feilhaber - Midfielder - AGF Aarhus - Is having his best year for both club and country. His presence on the ball and unpredictability are fine attributes.
Jose Torres - Midfielder - Pachuca - I'm only pretty sure that Torres could make a starter of himself by the time South Africa rolls around...seriously.
Stuart Holden - Midfielder - Houston Dynamo - Provides fine cover on the right flank and move to Europe would only increase his chances.
Jonathan Bornstein - Defender - CD Chivas USA - Unfortunately, the goal against Costa Rica means the LB spot is his to lose.
POSSIBLE:
Troy Perkins - Goalkeeper - Valerenga IF - Playing time gets him in over Marcus Hahnemann.
Edgar Castillo - Defender - Tigres UANL - Continues to play full matches for his club and we could see him in the upcoming European friendlies.
Conor Casey - Forward - Colorado Rapids - Casey seems to have passed Ching as the pure target forward that BB loves, but performances like against Costa Rica will make me sick.
Kenny Cooper - Forward - 1860 Munich - With Davies out and his good play in Germany, Kenny's spot is nearly assured.
Eddie Johnson - Forward - Fulham FC - Again, with Davies out and EJ the only player who can replicate his speed, EJ is closer to getting his chance.
BUBBLE BOYS:
Chad Marshall- Easily could make the team, but there are only 23 tickets.
Freddy Adu- Get more time in Portugal!!!
DaMarcus Beasley- Only a miracle will put him on the plane.
Brian Ching- Brian I love your work rate but so long and farewell.
Clarence Goodson- Could push Marshall for the 4th CB slot.
Danny Califf- See above
Heath Pearce- Where did you go??
Sacha Kljestan- Enjoying a strong run of form for his club, but is it enough?
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