English Premier league action rolled on today in England and one game I had a chance to watch was Bolton hosting Fulham. Both teams not in the best of places in the EPL walked away with a point each in a 0-0 draw.
Clint Dempsey is clearly being played out of position as a lone striker and rarely has much good support and service so the job for him at the moment is difficult and frustrating. If Eddie Johnson gets a game in the future under Roy Hodgson at least defenses will have to honor his speed. It can move Dempsey into a more favorable role where he can ultimately face defenses. Rarely does Fulham look dangerous and even their set pieces lack any real clear danger. The British analyst on this game was highly critical of Dempsey never once mentioning that this is not his natural position.
Carlos Bocanegra was brought into the match to help secure the point as a defender. Not being in a starting role may effect how he is used against Mexico if he is brought in by Bob Bradley. Lets not forget he had a solid game in the 2-1 Gold Cup win over Mexico back in the summer. He still remains despite not starting these days one of the U.S.’s most experienced players.
So who is the central pairing at the back for the U.S. against Mexico? Jimmy Conrad, Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra? Does Dynamo Eddie Robinson get a shot?
Your thoughts?