Decisons galore for Bruce Arena

You're Bruce Arena and you must figure out your starting 11 for the Red Bulls with Juan Pablo Angel having a work permit, Markus Schopp healthy and Clint Mathis NOT suspended. Who do you start?

Here's my starting 11:

-----Angel----Altidore-----

VDB-----------------Richards

------Reyna---Kovalenko

Dunivant--------------Freeman

---------Parke-Mendes------

----------Waterreus---------

Mathis, Stammler and Schopp are on the bench. Bruce ARena has stated that he plans to employ some sort of rotation once everyone is available so you'll see some lineups geared toward certain opponents.

WHat's your starting 11? Reveal it in the comments section:

Comments

[kpugs]

I like that lineup. I'm way too tempted to start three defenders though. I'd flip a coin and drop Parke or Mendes while inserting Mathis. With Dema, Park/Mendes, and Stammler on the bench there is still TONS of flexibility for The Bruce to work with.

[Kahlva]

That'd be my #1 formation as well. This would be #2:

-----Angel----Altidore-----

-----------Mathis----------

VDB-----------------Richards

------------Reyna------------

Dunivant--------------Freeman

---------Parke-Mendes------

----------Waterreus---------

Like everyone's saying - it's great to have options/depth! Our ability to swap in players and slightly change formations is going to make us very dangerous.

[Mark]

I think it's too early to say. I need to see more from Clint. If he's returned to form, then I think he merits as much playing time as Altidore. Then again, with Altidore off with the U-20s, Mathis is going to see plenty of time as it is.

I have a feeling, given the ages of many of these players, that once we get into the dog days of summer, there are going to be very few games where Bruce has the full compliment to choose from.

[MF73]

G: He is the Walrus
RB: Freeman
CB: It's not butter, it's Parke
CB: Mendes
LB: Dunivant
RM: Chop Schopp
DM: Dema, aka Leg Breaker
CM: Reyna
LM: We've got Dave VanDenBoig
FW: JPA
FW: The King of New York and Jersey

[Lalique]

kpugs - 3 men in the back will be a disaster. The defense is playing exceptionally well with 4 in the back and they understand how to cover and play off of each other - not to mention pick their moments to jump into the attack. Do what you want with the midfield and forwards, but leave the four guys in the back that seem to have it all together.

[Uncle Dave]

-----Angel----Altidore-----
---------Mathis------------

VDB-----------------Richards

------------Reyna--------------

Dunivant--------------Freeman

---------Parke-Mendes------

----------Waterreus---------

Schopp, Stammler, Magee, Kovalenko on the bench. Kovi and Reyna can switch off, Stammler Magee and dare I say Schoppp can play wings AND forward if necessary.

[JoeG]

--Angel--Altidore--

-----Reyna-----

VDB-------------Schopp

-----Kovalenko-----

Dunivant-Parke-Mendes-Freeman

-----Waterreus------

[Uncle Dave]

We kinda saw Reyna up top last night, and he was dropping back 70% of the time. Reynas talent is at the mid distributing.

[Jasen]

I completely agree with Ives' lineup, but I have to admit, I thought he was sold on Mathis starting.

[kpugs]

Latique...I like to live dangerously, it's my team and I'll coach how I want to. Hahaha, just kidding.

I know we basically have to play with 4 defenders, don't worry. But with guys capable of dropping back (Stammler, Kovalenko), the temptation is hard for me to resist. Lucky for you I'm not The Bruce. ;)

[Russ]

Uncle Dave,

Agreed...Claudio missed that sitter, he had the goalie beat on that one. it was one that should have found the back of the net 9 out of 10 times.

That said, I absolutley love his distribution and calm demeanor in the center of mid, a big departure from the talented, yet hot headed and easily distracted imo, guevarro.

Ives - be careful about including JPA in the starting 11 so quickly...I think the more he rests now, the better off he and the NYRB will be LATER in the season. Lets not forget peoples that JPA has been playing in the EPL this year. Albeit not every match, however, his football year will be a looooooooong one that includes MLS.

[Tim]

Ives,

I agree with your assessment.

I see Schopp/Richards splitting time

Mathis replacing Altidore when he's with the U20s and

Stammler is first off the bench or filling in for any defenders or midfielders who have accumulated points or who are nursing injuries

I haven't thought of better lineups versus select opponents.

If VDB already has a green card, I would go after one more attacking option with the final S-I slot; could use a little more left side depth. Come on Bruce/Jeff; continue to working your magic!!!