With a win tonight, we would make it five matches won in a row and continue our very loud shout for the Supporters’ Shield. In the way is that team with the vaguely European flair from New Jersey, the New York Red Bulls — but do we have what it takes to smash them?
There are a few reasonable-sized question marks over tonight’s match, so I’ll address those, then issue my lineup prediction. So, you know, don’t look too far below, or you’ll spoil it for yourself.
QUESTION ONE: Does Chris Schuler continue at left back?
I’d like to think there is some controversy in this question. We’ve got a left back we signed up naught but a month ago, but he’s still not made a first-team appearance in the Claret and Cobalt. To get back to our best, our shape needs to be at its best, and without a natural left back to keep possession through our simple passing game, that doesn’t happen. Now, I understand if the boss doesn’t want to toss him in the deep end, but we didn’t sign him to just warm the bench, did we?
QUESTION TWO: Who do we put into the midfield in place of Kyle Beckerman?
Oh, this is a hard one! Let’s go over our options: Ned Grabavoy may not be entirely fit, and while we’ve seen him in that spot, he’s not quite the size we could use. He could do well, there, but it would mean making some choices ahead of the DM spot that we don’t necessarily want to make. If we can get the Johnson-Grabavoy combination together again, that should be our first priority.
We’ve also got Jean Alexandre who can play in that position, but it’s clear that he’s favored as a forward. Now, he did play at the back in the last reserves match — to be clear, he played as a center back, then as a forward, then as a right back. Versatility’s great, but I’m not sure forward is Jean’s best spot — which isn’t to say he hasn’t done reasonably there, but I think we could see more from him in another position.
Now, we’ve also got our unknown element for the position: Yordany Alvarez. Jason Kreis seems to rate him well enough to consider throwing him in against New York, and to be honest, that would be my preference. It allows us to maintain our shape in the midfield and to drop a player in who knows the tactical position well. You don’t get named the USL Pro MVP for nothing, after all, even if the level of competition is slightly different.
QUESTION THREE: Does Andy Williams continue in the midfield?
Andy Williams has been on a run of games that’s been quite remarkable. During this four-game winning streak, he’s been dropping back effectively, tackling well, and generally being a thorn in the side of the other side. See, you don’t normally expect that from Andy — he’s made his name on attacking play — but he’s been brilliant at it, regardless, and essential in our winning. Does he continue, though? I’d have to say that he will be handed a little rest and be placed on the bench, leaving him fully fit for a match against DC United, and giving Ned Grabavoy some time on the pitch. He could well come in during the second half, so that’s my prediction.
Predicted Lineup
Rimando
Russell - Borchers - Olave - Schuler
Y. Alvarez - Johnson - Grabavoy - Gil
Espindola - Saborio
Subs: Melia, McKenzie, Wagner, A. Alvarez, Warner, Williams, Paulo Jr.
I won’t bore you with specifics, but a win here is vital, and if we can take six points from our road trip, I think we stand a very clear chance at winning our first Shield. It won’t be easy, and it’ll take some real power and strength to get there, and we’ll have to rely a bit on other people — but if ever we had a chance, it’s this year.
Come on you Claret and Cobalt!
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