USMNT vs Azerbaijan: Our first World Cup tune-up

Tonight, at 10 PM ET the US will play Azerbaijan in the first game of our send-off series before the World Cup. Azerbaijan has played both Germany and Portugal in recent times, and is coached by Berti Vogts, who may be familiar to you as the recently appointed as the USMNT special advisor, who kind of replaced Martin Vasquez as Klinsmann's de facto #2. Conflict of interest? I think so. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan should be a great tune-up match. They are currently ranked 85th in the FIFA rankings and placed 4 out of 6 in their World Cup qualifying group, behind Russia, Portugal, and Israel, and in front of Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.

The most interesting thing by far tonight will be what we learn from how the US lines up. Will we see the 4-2-3-1 that Klinsmann has used for most of his tenure or will he be tempted to trot out the diamond 4-4-2 that worked so well in the first half against Mexico in our last friendly. Will we see both at different times during the game? Who is going to be the starting back four? Will Geoff Cameron play as a CB or a RB? Can he get the start over the recently out-of-form/oft-maligned Omar Gonzalez? Is RB Timmy Chandler's position to lose even if he hasn't been with the team for over a year? What about Fabian Johnson, we all know he is listed as a defender, but will he line up at LB or fill the gaping hole in left midfield with DMB behind him?

Speaking of that gaping hole, that's what I'm most interested in seeing tonight. What happens at that left midfield position? I can count no fewer than 4 people who I wouldn't be surprised to see on the wing, and each of them would bring something completely different to the role. There is Johnson, who is probably the best left midfielder on the squad, and has played very well there for the USA in the past, whose technique is wonderful, provides good service, and would be a good option for possession play. The only drawback is that we don't have two Fabian Johnsons, so if he is in midfield then he can't play in defense, where he plays for his club. Alejandro Bedoya is the next natural pick, bringing industry to the side, but his service, especially from the left side, is suspect and I would expect him to tend to float inside. Brad Davis could start there, bringing good possession and service, but less industry and speed. All three of those options would make sense in the 4-2-3-1 or in the 4-4-2. If Klinsmann does go 4-2-3-1, I really wouldn't be shocked if Julian Green got the start out wide. Reports from camp are that he's playing really well and the double pivot would provide cover for him to take chances and run at defenders. Finally, one card that Klinsmann may have up his sleeve is to put Aron Johannsson on the left. Remember, Eddie Johnson played there multiple times in the 4-2-3-1 and Johannsson has played that role before with Altidore as the target man last season at AZ. Just some food for thought.

Here is what I think we'll see for a starting XI tonight. If we start in the 4-2-3-1 like I predict, the team might move to a diamond 4-4-2 in the second half with the introduction of Beckerman for either Jones or Bradley.

Courtesy of Americansoccernow.com

I'm looking forward to seeing how the team comes together, and what tactical ideas we apply against a side that, theoretically, we should be able to handle quite easily. It would also be a great time for Jozy to break his Sunderland funk and start regaining confidence ahead of the World Cup. It will also be good to hopefully see some of the younger guys (Brooks, Green, Yedlin) get a run out in the second half. What are your thoughts and what do you hope to see?