Pick the Starting Lineup: Houston Dynamo vs. Columbus Crew SC

Who’s left? That’s a question a lot of Houston Dynamo fans have after last Saturday’s match against Sporting Kansas City which saw three Dynamo players given straight red cards. To top it off, there are injuries to key players like Juan David Cabezas and this past Wednesday the Dynamo went to penalties in the US Open Cup Semifinals against LAFC where the Houston would eventually come out on top. All of these will factor into the game plan against the Dynamo’s next opponent, Columbus Crew SC. While Houston have had a very busy schedule, the Crew are coming off a bye week so they’ll be well rested against a tired, but determined Dynamo side.

Wilmer Cabrera knows that a push for the playoffs begins right now and although many of his players have a lot of minutes under their belt over the past few weeks, he’ll need to field a strong squad. Up top, Romell Quioto and Mauro Manotas should start. Normally Alberth Elis would join them, but he was one of the three players shown a red card against SKC, so in his place I’d predict Memo Rodríguez to get the starting call.

In the midfield Tomás Martínez should start against Crew SC even though he played the full 120 minutes Wednesday. If Cabrera opts to keep Martínez on the bench or if he rests him then I’d anticipate Luis Gil to start in his place. Next to him in the midfield we should expect Oscar Boniek García and Eric Alexander to get the call to the XI. Normally Darwin Cerén would be the deepest midfielder, but he was shown a straight red and will miss another game. Should Boniek be rested then we could see Eric Bird get another crack at a starting spot.

DaMarcus Beasley missed the game against LAFC due to an injury and I don’t think he’ll start even though he doesn’t appear on the injury report. In his place I’d peg Adam Lundqvist who has done a quality job when Beasley needs time to heal up. In central defense we saw the return of Philippe Senderos in Wednesday’s match. Senderos should be in the starting XI with Adolfo Machado next to him. Alejandro Fuenmayor would normally be my pick, but he was the first player shown a red card in the game against SKC. At right back it should be Andrew Wenger with Joe Willis in goal.

Injury Report

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

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

OUT: D - Dylan Remick (concussion)*

OUT: F – Mac Steeves (left hip injury)

OUT: D – Philippe Senderos (right quadriceps injury) **

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

**Played Wednesday

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 Columbus Crew SC.