How the USMNT should line up against Jamaica in their Gold Cup opener: Jesus Ferreira up top, Alejandro Zendejas out wide

There will be plenty who will want to see Gaga Slonina at some point this tournament, but this definitely isn't the game for it. Given the challenge Jamaica will pose, and his need for minutes, Turner will almost certainly get the nod after two clean sheets in the Nations League last week.

Something of a toss-up between Jones and John Tolkin, and both will probably get an opportunity at some point this tournament. Whoever does start will have a tough job facing off, most likely, against Leon Bailey. Callaghan really could go with either, but we'll give Jones the nod due to his extra experience.

In this new cycle, Miazga is a player that is deserving of a chance to show his worth. After getting stuck in the Chelsea loan system, he's been spectacular with FC Cincinnati and has the potential to be a key contributor over the next few years. He felt overlooked last cycle, and he may have a point. Now's his chance to show it.

This spot depends solely on Miles Robinson. He picked up a knock in the Nations League win over Mexico, and it remains to be seen if he'll be ready to go against Jamaica. If he isn't, it makes sense to turn to the veteran Long, although he hasn't been too impressive since joining LAFC. The other option is Jalen Neal, who, despite his rise with the Galaxy, is just 20 years old.

Because of that, we'll lean Long, but if Robinson is healthy, he's a locked-in starter.

We'll likely see Bryan Reynolds in at least one of the other group-stage games, but the USMNT will likely need Yedlin's pace and experience against Jamaica. Everton's Demarai Gray could very well start on this side and will be a massive challenge for whoever starts at right-back. Yedlin won't be overawed in any way and could very well be a candidate to be captain in this starting XI.

He's chosen to play for the U.S. despite interest from Canada, so it's safe to assume we'll see Morris play at this tournament. The 21-year-old midfielder already has several years of experience under his belt, although one of those years was taken away due to injury. He's been spectacular this year as he continues to grow as a midfielder, but this will be a good test for him in that No.6 position.

James Sands is another option here, although his positional versatility makes him an ideal sub if the U.S. were to switch systems.

With a bit of veteran leadership in the center of the field, you know exactly what you're going to get from Cristian Roldan. Callaghan could turn to Gianluca Busio here for a more creative spark, but it makes more sense to at least start Roldan as the U.S. look to establish control early on.

The more attack-minded of this midfield trio, look for Mihailovic to get forward and cause some havoc. The former CF Montreal star joined AZ Alkmaar earlier this year and continues to evolve as an attacking midfielder, with this camp a chance for him to truly make a push to the USMNT first-Team before beginning his first full season in the Eredivisie.

Plenty of folks will want to see young star Cade Cowell in this spot, but it should go to Morris, at least for now. The Seattle Sounders winger is a Gold Cup veteran, having scored the winner in the 2017 final against, coincidentally, Jamaica. Morris has been in great form for the Sounders this season and he should be a handful for the Reggae Boyz backline.

Cowell, meanwhile, could come in as a sub, where his pace and dribbling ability could change the game against tired legs.

He's fallen down the pecking order since Folarin Balogun's arrival, but don't write off Ferreira just yet. The FC Dallas star already has 10 goals in MLS this season and is continuing to evolve as a full-time No.9. He should help unsettle Jamaica's defense, who will have a lot to deal with due to his movement and creativity.

Brandon Vazquez, meanwhile, is a good Plan B that could add a bit of physicality later in the game.

He wasn't used in the Nations League, but this is Zendejas' time to shine. The Club America winger has a real chance to compete for a big role this cycle. He's creative, skillful and on a different level technically than many others in the pool. He could very well be the USMNT's attacking star this tournament.