Pick the Houston Dynamo Lineup against Minnesota United FC

While there may be some cause for alarm given how the Houston Dynamo have performed on the road, although two games really isn’t enough to see, the team has been perfect at BBVA Compass Stadium. This week they take on MLS newcomer Minnesota United FC who have struggled in their debut season as they currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference. They boast the worst defense in the league in terms of goals allowed which should be fuel for Erick “Cubo” Torres and our offense.

Depth will play another factor against MNUFC with many players still recovering from injuries. Juan David Cabezas is currently listed on the MLS injury report, but was not listed on the injury article reported by Cory Roepken so I would expect him to be available and possibly start, but if he doesn’t then Eric Alexander will get the starting nod. Up top Mauro Manotas filled in at LW for Romell Quioto, but even though Quioto is listed as Questionable, I think he starts.

The Loons’ defense may be good news for the Dynamo, but their offense is actually scoring goals and is the fourth best in terms of goals finished. That should be a cause for concern for our makeshift backline as Oscar Boniek Garcia is likely going to fill in at RB for the injured A. J. DeLaGarza and Jalil Anibaba should be the starting CB as Agus and Leonardo continue to rehab their injuries. Furthermore, it’s unclear who the starting LB is for Cabrera. Beasley has done well in his starts, but since the international break he’s come off the bench in one game and didn’t appear at all in the other. Dylan Remick, who has done well in DaMarcus Beasley’s absence/lack of playing time, but isn’t quite the leader that is needed to organize our back four.

Cabrera has been relatively consistent with his lineup aside from injuries and call-ups affecting his selections. If Quioto, Cabezas, and Beasley are healthy – I expect all to start. Meanwhile I hope our defense and midfield can pick up the slack against a talented offensive side and that our forwards punish MNUFC early and often.

My Projected Starting Lineup

So who do you want to see lineup against the MLS newcomers? Let us know and feel free to share your choices in the comments section below!