World News – United States – XI Predicts: Philadelphia Union

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There are certain games that carry weight for them Today’s Columbus Crew game against the Philadelphia Union has that feeling and the stats to back it up The Union is at the top of the league table. Major League Soccer and one week away from a tie-break 5-0 win over second-place Toronto FC

As Philadelphia’s last two games look to maintain the home field advantage throughout the MLS Cup playoffs and the chance to raise the fan shield, the crew are in a place where the goal is to stay healthy and get as many home playoffs as possible The Black & Gold vs Union is a preview of the late playoffs and we asked who you would start if you were in Caleb Porter’s leadership

The consistency of role player injuries necessitated anything but consistent rosters Minus Eloy Room, Porter used your roster of choice only once this season, in the MLS is Back tournament knockout game against Minnesota United

Overall, a lineup like this makes sense Milton Valenzuela and Harrison Afful have suffered injuries over the past year and have them start both away games this week against the Houston Dynamo and DC United would be a risk Chris Cadden and Waylon Francis made rare starts on Wednesday at the usual two seats behind

Josh Williams is still unavailable, following his four-game suspension He will be available in three days when Columbus heads for another playoff-caliber competition against Orlando City In his place you have chosen Aboubacar Keita

Midfielders Darlington Nagbe and Lucas Zelarayan as well as forward Gyasi Zardes should all be available You all picked these three to start The only area where there is normally a draw is the winger role, opposite Pedro Santos You have selected Luis Diaz to fill the role which recently saw Derrick Etienne Jr, Emmanuel Boateng and Youness Mokhtar in his starting place

There is no difference between which one you chose and the one Massive Report sees starting today.As media availability on Friday, Porter, Nagbe and Zardes all shared the impact of this game. huge This lineup reflects the best group of the crew That doesn’t mean there aren’t some areas of concern

Injuries are by far the most important Zelarayan and Nagbe’s limited minutes in the last two games were intentional The long-term goal of being healthy for the playoffs is a higher priority for Black & Gold than forcing players onto the pitch when the risk of re-worsening injuries is high. Although even the game against the Union doesn’t require a full 90 minutes, the crew should be looking to put their best team on the pitch in. this eliminatory test There will be no surprise if one or both are among the five substitutions allowed in the second half.

A new starting name has been added to the list of players who missed time Zardes suffered a slight knee injury in the last training session last Friday before the trip to Texas Porter said he would be available on Sunday after his status was on hold before the DC United Travel on Wednesday If he doesn’t start, Krisztian Nemeth has had two back-to-back starts after being recently traded to Columbus from Sporting Kansas City even though Zardes is not in the starting 11, he should see the time on the pitch

The second most difficult decision for Porter, outside of these injury returns, is the other winger position With Zelarayan out, Porter got to see all of his wingers see some important starting minutes When all four are at their best, Diaz shines through Even though his goal production is non-existent this year, he kicks off the offense with its speed, distribution and offensive threat With a healthy Santos, Nagbe and Zelarayan around him, this makes him even more dangerous on the defenses

Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew SC, MLS