Lineup and Score Predictions for NYCvCLB
Okay, it's the last regular season fixture to play, and we have all but two players out injured: Connor Brandt, and Shannon Gomez. That means, pretty much everyone is back, including this guy:
(I still miss the Trini...Shannon, hope you stay another year so we could see you play!)
So, we have 24 players, but 18 spots. Let's see what we can do.
Option One: If Vieira elects to ease the previously injured players back into the flow, then this is what I think the lineup would look like:
With this, I see a draw, not scoreless. Possibly a 1-1 or 2-2. It would not be enough to keep hold of second place unless Toronto does not win their game. The only change I could possibly see from last week's starting XI is Martinez replacing Matarrita, due to Mata's [thankfully] short injury. I still do not see what Vieira sees in Mena, but looking at the selections Vieira makes, Mena looks like he's no where near being considered as a reserve player. He's either starting or on the bench (like in my second option).
Option Two: If Vieira chooses to play his best players to start, here's what I think we will see:
The problem is that I can see this going either way, win or loss. I see a loss because of lack of match fitness from a few starters, and because of our record against Columbus (0W-2D-2L). If we were to lose, I would think by a one goal margin, 0-1 or 1-2, but no more. However, I see a win because there's a lot to play for in this match. Golden Boot (although, Villa couldn't really care less), Second seed in the East, knockout bye...there's a lot to lose. And I think this team will find a way to get a result after suffering that loss last week. This is a team that has lost two games in a row only once this season. All games after a loss, this team's record is 4W-4D-1L. You can't tell me we can't win this match. Score line for a win: 2-1. Here's to the latter.
