probable
n. countablen. a person or thing that is very likely to happen, succeed, or be chosen for a team.
n. a person or event considered likely to occur, succeed, or be selected for a specific role. Often used in the plural to refer to a group of candidates or potential outcomes.
He is a probable for the national team.
After the impressive trial match, the young striker was listed among the probables for the upcoming tournament.
The selection committee divided the candidates into probables and possibles, focusing their final interviews on the small group most likely to meet the rigorous criteria.
From Middle English probable, from Old French probable, from Latin probābilis (“that may be proved, credible”), from probāre (“to test, examine”); see probe, probity, prove. Compare recent doublet provable.
Frequently used in sports or recruitment contexts, often appearing in the plural form 'probables'.