[dropcap]A[/dropcap]fter netting two crucial road points on opposite coastlines against Vancouver and New England, Columbus Crew SC returns home to the friendly confines of Mapfre Stadium to take on Kaká and Orlando City SC.
The MLS newcomers have enjoyed early season success as they sit in third place in the Eastern Conference at eight points total. While their club continues to mesh, they will only get more dangerous as the season rolls on.
What to expect from Orlando City SC
Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ricketts; Ramos, Hines, Collin, Shea; Okugo, Ceren; Molino, Kaká, Higuita; Larin
Form: W-L-D-L-W; 8 points, +1 GD
It comes as no surprise as the man in the crosshairs for the expansion side is Kaká. The 32-year-old has enjoyed success at every club he has played at, which includes the likes of A.C. Milan and Real Madrid. While Kaká is no longer considered in the running for the best player in the world, that does not mean he isn’t dangerous. His playmaking ability has been the backbone of the Orlando City attack as he looks to either score on his own, or to feed any of his fellow attackers, which include Cyle Larin, Kevin Molino and Cristian Higuita.
The four are technically sound and, while only Higuita is a true burner when it comes to pace, they can beat you in many different ways, specifically with quick passing.
Okugo and Ceren have been up and down in the defensive midfield and have yet to mesh together, but there have been flashes of brilliance between the pairing in the pivot, though they have understood their job early on this year, and that’s get the ball to Kaká to build the attack.
Brek Shea should return from international duty with the USMNT, but it is unknown if he’ll be ready to go as he put in a good shift for Jurgen Klinsmann’s side against Mexico on Wednesday. If he can’t go, expect to see Luke Boden slot into the left back position.
Opposite of either men will be Rafael Ramos, who has been shaky at right back, but serviceable. Look for Columbus to try and attack his flank early and often. The center back pairing of Collin and Hines isn’t the biggest in the league as both men are only 6’2″, but they have proven to given fits to opposing attackers.
Crew SC supporters should recognize Donovan Ricketts in net, who came to Orlando City via the expansion draft. The Jamaican international has two clean sheets this week and will want to expand upon that record.
What to expect from Columbus Crew SC
Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Clark; Klute, Parkhurst, Pogatetz, Francis; Saeid, Tchani; Finlay, Higuain, Meram; Kamara
Form: L-W-L-D-D; 5 points, 0 GD
Columbus will need to get the attack going early. Kamara is in fantastic form right now as he leads the way with three of Columbus’ five goals on the season.
Federico Higuain looks to have his feet back under him after going the full 90 up in New England. Justin Meram and Ethan Finlay should be the choices on the outside as international duty has wrapped up for Meram and Finlay is the unquestioned first choice at right midfield.
Wil Trapp’s lingering injury is proving to be a bit of a problem, though Mohammed Saeid has stepped up to fill the role nicely alongside of Tony Tchani, who was my Man of the Match against New England. After the ridiculous suspension in the second match of the season, Tchani is finding his form from last year even though he’s played alongside of three different teammates in the pivot this season. Trapp should be getting close to 100 percent, and it would not surprise me to see him this week, but after 45 minutes in Vancouver and then not rotating with the club to New England, there is some concern that the injury is not healing.
Saturday should be a good indicator of how Trapp is doing.
Francis picked up a late injury and did feature at all last week, but reports are that he is ready to go. If that’s the case, while Chris Klute has filled in exceptionally at left back, Francis would be first choice. Parkhurst and Pogatetz should both be 100 percent and ready to go, while Hernan Grana is in no danger of losing his position wide right.
Steve Clark didn’t have to do much against New England as he only face three direct shots, but he stopped them all. Nothing more needs to be said as he seems plenty comfortable again.
Prediction
This is a toss up match. Kaká is a handful for any team to take on, and while you may never fully stop him, the idea is to bottle him up. Tony Tchani is going to be put to the test in this match as this is arguably the best player he will have ever faced. If Tchani is up to the task and the back four manage to do to Orlando what they did to Toronto a few weeks ago, then this should be a victory at home, considering the form Kamara is in.
Crew SC 2, Orlando City 1
