Pick the Starting Lineup: Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas

While the previous regular season fixture for the Houston Dynamo resulted in a disappointing road point against the Colorado Rapids, the Dynamo were able to come out with a 4-2 win over Sporting Kansas City in the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup earlier this week. Wilmer Cabrera played a very strong lineup for the competition and it paid off with one of the most enjoyable displays from the team we’ve seen all year. Mauro Manotas and Romell Quioto each recorded a brace and the team looked like it never wanted to stop going for more goals. The reason why it was so effective was, as the Dynamo took the lead SKC had to commit more numbers forward which left them exposed to counter attacks by our attacking players. Earlier in the game when SKC had the lead, they sat back and forced Houston to break them down. It was a very good strategy that works against our style of play and it helped them conserve energy in the heat and humidity. However the game opened up for the Dynamo more following Romell Quioto’s free kick golazo.

This must be rivalry week following the game against SKC because now the Texas Derby and the battle for El Capitán can begin against their other rival FC Dallas. The Dynamo currently are the holders of the Texas Derby trophy and have no plans to give it to our I-45 rivals. Wilmer Cabrera used a strong lineup against SKC this past Wednesday, but I would anticipate him to use a lineup of similar strength in a big game against Dallas. Up top is likely unchanged from Wednesday with Romell Quioto, Mauro Manotas, and Alberth Elis all getting the call.

In the midfield I would think that Tomás Martínez gets the go in central attacking midfield. Just behind him I think we’ll see Darwin Cerén and Eric Alexander. Oscar Boniek García is an option over Alexander, although Boniek may have picked up a small knock against Kansas City so I’d bet on Alexander to start.

Defensively I would anticipate that Philippe Senderos, who was substituted early against SKC, to start next to Alejandro Fuenmayor in central defense. DaMarcus Beasley is also likely to get the call at left back. Right back is a little more difficult to predict as we’ve seen Adam Lundqvist play the position relatively well. However, since the return of Adolfo Machado from his duties at the World Cup, I’d peg him to be in the starting XI with Joe Willis in goal.

Injury Report

OUT: D - A.J. DeLaGarza (torn left ACL)

OUT: M - Juan David Cabezas (left quad injury)

OUT: F/M/D – Andrew Wenger (calf injury)

OUT: D - Dylan Remick (concussion)*

OUT: F – Mac Steeves (left hip injury)

OUT: M – Arturo Álvarez (right hip injury)

*Remick does not appear on the Injury Report, but is out for the season.

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 FC Dallas!