Got to get back! Need some get back! Payback!...That's it!! Payback!!! Revenge!!! I'm mad!! -James Brown
The Dynamo "welcome" the Montreal Impact to BBVA Compass Stadium tonight with payback on their minds. In case you've forgotten, the Impact handed Houston a rather embarrassing 4-2 loss on June 26th at Stade Saputo. There was also some extra curricular activities during the match, including a red card for Adam Moffat. So let's just say we shouldn't expect a friendly match tonight.
Payback. The Big Payback....just a minute here...ah, here we go. Enjoy one of my favorite songs as you read the rest of the preview:
That loss to the Impact may end up being the low point of the Dynamo season and the point where the upswing started. Just like last season when the Dynamo were hammered by Sporting Kansas City away, the loss in Montreal was the last bad performance we've seen from Houston. The Dynamo are 3-0-2 since, including two big victories this week over SKC and D.C. United.
So thanks for the wake-up call Montreal...but don't expect any returned favors.
Dominic Kinnear should have all hands on deck for the match. The only injury doubt is Adam Moffat who continues to recover from an adductor strain. Geoff Cameron will also not be with the team as he continues to wrap up his transfer to Stoke City.
No doubt the players are a bit tired, so it'll be important that everyone is honest about their energy levels ahead of the match. I'd expect to see some adjustments, but I'm not sure what they might be. The team is playing so well right now, I'd understand if Kinnear doesn't want to tinker with the mix too much. The most likely adjustment could be the inclusion of Je-Vaughn Watson in the starting lineup, but Warren Creavalle looked good on Wednesday, so he might start again.
Whatever Kinnear decides to do, the Dynamo can look forward to six days without a match after tonight. With the slight break ahead, and plenty of motivation to pay back the Impact, look for a strong performance from the Naranja tonight.
In case you're curious, Impact DP Alessandro Nesta will travel with the team but his availability for the match is unknown. Nesta has yet to play for the Impact since signing with them a few weeks ago.
Predicted Lineup: 4-3-3 - Hall; Hainault, Taylor, Boswell, Ashe; Boniek, Creavalle, Davis; Carr, Bruin, Kandji
Predicted Score: 3-0 Dynamo. This team is motivated and focused, the Impact are in for it tonight.