If Donovan is Out, Where is Bradley to Turn?

With the news tonight that Landon Donovan is a question mark for tomorrow’s fixture against England at the new Wembley due to tightness in his groin; Bob Bradley has some serious decisions to make.

Landon’s absence could possibly leave an enormous hole in the staring XI, and even force Papa Bradley to make a formation change. Not something you want to start conjuring up on the eve of the biggest game of your career.

The two members of the squad that stand out to be the one called by Bradley to replace the all-time leading goal scorer are the very popular choice, Freddy Adu, and the much less popular, Josh Wolff.

Wolff has been spending most of his recent time in Europe out on the right wing(ish) where Bradley has been starting Donovan the last couple of friendly matches. So you could see him as a straight swap for Landy. Adu can play on the left, in the middle of midfield, or as a supporting striker.

Here are some possible formations of the front six.

———–Johnson–Dempsey———

–Beasley———————–Wolf–

————Edu/Clark——-Bradley—-

or for Adu…

————–Johnson—————–

—Beasley———Adu——-Dempsey

———-Edu/Clark——Bradley

As you can see, besides the Donovan/Wolff/Adu situation up in the air as of tonight, the only other toss up I see is the Edu/Clark battle to accompany Bradley in the center midfield. And yes, I do see EJ starting. If you disagree, tell me who else.

It is really difficult to predict where Bradley is going to go with this one though. He does tend to lead towards the more experienced hand, but in the case of Adu or Wolff, how do you deny the (flat out) better player in favor of an older, more experienced guy. I would be disappointed, but not surprised. As for Rico and Maurice, niether have been on great form stateside, so that will be an interesting spot to look out for as well when the XI is released.

Full line-up? If I have to make a call on everything and stop riding the fence…

————-Johnson—————

Beasley———Adu——–Dempsey

——-Clark———Bradley———

Pearce–Bocanegra-Onyewu-Cherundolo

————–Howard——————

…but who knows at this point.

Getting pumped yet? I’ve been going ape since about noon. Just thought I’d let you know.