Dynamo v. Revolution: Five Things You Need To Know

Your Dynamo are in desperate need of three points this weekend if they want to stay in the playoff race. Before the kickoff on Saturday, let's take a look at five things you should know about the match.

1. The Dynamo will be without Mike Chabala ( suspended for yellow card accumulation). He has been a rock at the left back spot and has easily been the team's most consistent defender this season. His speed and ability to press forward down the wing will also be missed by a team already struggling to score goals. In addition, the speedy Sammy Nyassi will be a challenge for whomever Dominic Kinnear chooses to play in place of Chabala.

2. Brad Davis, Houston's goal and assist leader, is not expected to travel after suffering a left quadricpes strain against the Sounders last weekend. The loss of Davis means Geoff Cameron or Lovel Palmer could be put in the central attacking role, unless Cameron is asked to return to his 2009 role in the defense. Adrian Serioux did not travel with the team as well due to injury.

3. Revolution defender Kevin Alston will not be available for the match after leaving Thursday's practice early due to his hamstring. Marko Perovic did practice and is expected to be an option for Steve Nicol up front. Expect to see Chris Tierney filling in for Alston.

4. The Dynamo haven't won a league match since their 2-0 victory of DC United on May 22nd. The winless streak is by the far the team's longest since moving to Houston in 2006.

5. New Dynamo assistant coach Steve Ralston will be honored before the match by the Revolution. The 35-year old retired on July 20th and two days later joined Kinnear's coaching staff. Ralston was a part of all four of New England's MLS Cup runner-up teams.