2016 Matchday #18: Dynamo v Union, July 2, 2016 p/d/p (R)

Slumpbuster FC doing what it does best.

I thought from now on WIN was the only option on polls. Right @ScottyMac26 and @LuckyStriker

 

If the Union don't win this I'm officially worried about league play.

The depth isn't so deep.

 

@Handsome Pete already infested with Minnesota Nice-itis. Time to repatriate.

 

It will be interesting to see what the Union formation looks like. The organization (all the way down to the youth level) is committed to a 4-2-3-1. Without Herbers and Le Toux available and with Sapong unlikely to start, it will be difficult to maintain the same formation. With little time to practice a new formation with different personnel, there are not many great options.

The fact that Ilsinho appeared injured at the end of Wednesday's game may mean that Restrepo or Fernandes starts over him. Given the forecast (90s and humid), Fernandes/Restrepo may start regardless. Anyone who can guess the starting XI and the correct formation should win a prize.

I think that the Union are going to stick with the 4-2-3-1 and start Fernandes up top:

Fernandes
Pontius-Alberg-Ilsinho (or Restrepo)
Carroll-Barnetta
Fabinho-Marquez-Yaro-Rosenberry
Blake

If the Union change it up, I could see a false 9 with Alberg as a withdrawn striker:

Pontius-Alberg-Ilsinho (or Fernandes/Restrepo)
Barnetta
Carroll-Creavalle
Fabinho-Marquez-Yaro-Rosenberry
Blake

Thoughts? Guesses?

 

I think this is what Curtin will deploy on Saturday Evening:

Fernandes

Pontius - Alberg - Restrepo

Barnetta - Carroll

Gaddis - Marquez - Yaro - Rosenberry

Blake

 

Why Fernandes??? If he is the only option then play with no striker a la Spain. (I guess I really must not like Fernandes and I'm just discovering it).

 

After the game on Wednesday Curtin said that Fernandes is "the best player on the field at training most days" or something along those lines. Sounds like he's high on Fernandes.

 

Don't ask ! ( not telling )

 

Optimistically I'll say a draw, but I have my doubts..... zero strikers.... yeesh.

 

Wenger scores a hat trick, all assisted from Maidana.

 

Let's be honest.........how is that any different then the 6 prior seasons? The Union have never had a prolific out and out striker. The Union are at the top of the goal scoring charts in MLS this season too.

It won't be pretty, but they'll find a way to make do with what they have. Houston is not that good. Plus Curtin and company know the weaknesses of Maidana, Wenger and Williams. Hopefully they can exploit them.

 

Those two have really fallen off since week one, huh?

 

I guess I should pay more attention to the Dynamo.

 

Also voted loss because I actually started voting win for the first time in over a year.

Then we started losing again, so I don't want to rock the boat.

 

I think we all know that Maidana and Wenger are both prone to outbursts of great play before disappointing their fans all over again. Win.

 

Failure is literally no longer an option.