Pick the Starting Lineup: Houston Dynamo vs. Toronto FC

The Houston Dynamo now have an opportunity to build some confidence as they’re facing an opponent that has played a CONCACAF Champions League game this week and have another next week. That team, Toronto FC, will likely prioritize those matches over their league game against the Dynamo which could help our club end its winless streak.

Since the opening win over Atlanta United FC the Dynamo have been a better team on the road than at home – something fairly foreign to the organization. Losses to the Vancouver Whitecaps and the New England Revolution at BBVA Compass Stadium and draws to D.C. United and the San Jose Earthquakes have been disappointing following their 4-0 win over Atlanta.

Wilmer Cabrera will have DaMarcus Beasley back following his suspension which should open up a few other options along the back. Philippe Senderos still appears on the injury report as OUT along with Dylan Remick, A. J. DeLaGarza, Juan David Cabezas, and George Malki although Senderos has done some training with the first team.

Last week against the San Jose Earthquakes we saw the starting trio of Romell Quioto on the left wing, Mauro Manotas in the center, and Alberth Elis on the right side which is what I think we’ll see again for our forwards.

In the midfield Darwin Cerén is the de facto starter for the injured Cabezas with Eric Alexander likely to play next to him with Tomás Martínez playing in the attacking midfield role following his good game against the Quakes.

Defensively, due to the injuries and poor form at right back, we could be the most creative with how we line up. With Beasley back I think he’s back at left back with Leonardo and Adolfo Machado at center back. I’m taking a shot in the dark here, but I think Andrew Wenger gets the start at right back. If Wenger doesn’t get the start there, we’ll likely see a Beasley – Leonardo – Fuenmayor – Machado back line with Chris Seitz in goal.

My Projected Starting Lineup

There are a ton of options, not to mention formations to play with so let us know who you think should be in the starting lineup against Toronto FC!