Sporting Kansas City got a late goal from Omar Bravo to get a draw with Chivas USA on Saturday. This allowed Sporting to continue their hot streak and stay unbeaten in the last 12 matches in all competitions. This Saturday, Sporting will play on the road for the last time until September 17 as they take on the Houston Dynamo at Robertson Stadium.
Sporting’s line up will probably be different than the last match; as Peter Vermes is resting certain players due to the heavy schedule congestion that has started for the club. C.J. Sapong, arguably Sporting’s best forward this year, might start the match from the bench once again. This will allow US international Teal Bunbury to start.
If I had to predict a starting lineup for Sporting, I would say that Jimmy Nielsen is a safe bet to start again in goal. It has been a while since backup Eric Kronberg has been selected ahead of Nielsen. The goalkeeping has been excellent and Nielsen is a big part of that. Kronberg may be the starter in the future, but Nielsen is the starter right now.
On to the back line which has remained relatively stable over the last few weeks. Sporting fans should expect to see Chance Myers, Aurelien Collin, Matt Besler, and Mike Harrington starting. This has been the biggest constant for Sporting over their undefeated run. The only exception would be that Seth Sinovic started a few matches for Mike Harrington at left back.
In the midfield Sporting have started to run a 4-5-1/4-3-3 formation combination which means that the midfield is loaded with talent. Omar Bravo is an easy pick to start as he has worn the captain’s armband in Davy Arnaud’s absence. Graham Zusi is another player that has stepped up and solidified a starting position. The June MLS player of the month has become one of Sporting’s biggest playmakers and a starter whenever he is healthy enough to do so.
Honduran international Roger Espinoza has stepped up from left back into the midfield after returning from Gold Cup duty. Julio Cesar, the Brazilian who had a disappointing run of form as a central defender has moved into the midfield with terrific performances, including a goal vs. the Vancouver Whitecaps a few matches ago. Milos Stojcev, a player who seems to be in manager Peter Vermes good graces at the moment, will likely be the fifth starter, although Kei Kamara also might get the opportunity to start and hopefully turn around his recent poor form.
Up top Sporting will use only one full striker, either rookie C.J. Sapong or Teal Bunbury. Due to Bunbury’s horrific run of form recently, Sapong is likely to start and play significant minutes. Sapong was subbed out just minutes after coming on Tuesday night vs. the Richmond Kickers in the USOC. If this was due to injury it will be a really bad blow to Sporting and their playoff chances.
Prediction Houston 3 – Sporting KC 1
(image courtesy of sportingkc.com)
