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After succumbing to a late comeback and questionable penalty kick decision last week against the Portland Timbers, the Houston Dynamo return home to face the Eastern Conference leaders, the Philadelphia Union. The Union have given up the same number of goals as the Dynamo, 25, but have finished 7 times more. The month of June was a bit of a mixed bag for Philly fans as the club finished with 2 wins and 2 losses with their last MLS fixture ending in a 3-2 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Tired legs could be a factor for both clubs as the US Open Cup hit both teams with midweek matchups. The Union defeated the New York Red Bulls as we defeated our rival Sporting Kansas City. Both sides fielded somewhat strong lineups which could lead to interesting lineup choices by the managers. For the Dynamo, David Horst, Alex Lima, and surprisingly Andrew Wenger all played significant roles and large minutes. Wade Barrett could play these players despite their midweek minutes, or go in a different direction altogether. Meanwhile, Erick Torres remains with the Mexican U-23 team in preparation for the Olympics and Rob Lovejoy remains out with a right ankle injury. Giles Barnes has returned to full training follow a nagging Achilles injury. If Barnes is fit and ready to contribute, he could get the start over Wenger, who played 77 minutes Wednesday, who could later sub on for Barnes at some point in the 2nd half.
Giles Barnes is training fully today. Lingering Achilles injury kept him out Sunday. It has lingered for years and bothered him after Copa.
— Corey Roepken (@RipSports) June 28, 2016
My Projected Lineup
In my projected lineup, I've decided to rest Alex Lima since he went the full 90 against SKC. If he's included in the starting XI I put him centrally over Cristian Maidana. For now, I keep Maidana back in his natural position as a CM and push Boniek out wide primarily because of how well Maidana played in the Open Cup match in central midfield. I also started Barnes over Wenger due to the heavy minutes in Open Cup action. I put Barnes on the right side because I don't think Barrett wants to mess with the chemistry he's developed on the left and putting Barnes at RM/winger wouldn't interrupt that.
With Barnes back and with our previous midweek fixture, Barrett's lineup could vary in a lot of ways. Which ways do you want to see the Dynamo lineup against the Union? Let us know below and share your formation and selections in the comment section.