The San Jose Earthquakes visit Columbus Crew SC on Saturday evening. Fans can expect some changes in the San Jose lineup, and possibly a new formation.
Match Preview: Columbus Crew SC-San Jose Earthquakes
Recent Form
The Earthquakes have earned seven points in their previous six games to put themselves tied with the Portland Timbers for sixth overall in the West at 32 points. Crew SC is slightly worse: six points in six games, and have won just one game in their previous 12. They sit with Chicago Fire at the bottom of the Eastern table with 23 points, an amazing turn-around from a team that found itself in the MLS Cup finals less than a year ago.
Injuries/Suspensions
The Earthquakes will probably be without the services of forward Quincy Amarikwa, who had to be subbed off during Wednesday night’s 0-0 draw with the New England Revolution due a left ankle sprain. Midfielder Simon Dawkins played Wednesday and should be ready despite a cast on his left arm and reports of a left knee injury.
The Crew will be missing reserve goalkeeper Matt Pacifici due to concussion. However, the one person that should give Quakes fans pause is forward Conor Casey, who is listed as questionable in the latest MLS injury report. Casey scored two goals last season for the Philadelphia Union, both of which came at the expense of the San Jose Earthquakes as a late game sub. If Casey is eligible, Crew SC head coach Gregg Berhalter may see if he still has some San Jose magic left in the tank. Defender Waylon Francis is also listed as questionable.
Line Ups & Formation Predictions
Both teams are coming off mid-week games, and could be looking to rest some players. Expect San Jose to feature its newest striker, forward Henok Goitom in place of Amarikwa, even if Amarikwa is fit to play. Goitom was a 76th minute sub and tallied the Quakes’ only shot on goal versus the New England Revolution on Wednesday.
Head coach Dom Kinnear seemed reluctant to switch with the formation they’ve been using all year: the double-pivot 4-4-2, but anything’s possible. Thus a probable San Jose lineup would likely start David Bingham in goal, and defenders Cordell Cato, Marvell Wynne, Victor Bernardez, and Jordan Stewart on the back line. Midfielders Alberto Quintero, Darwin Ceren, Anibal Godoy, and Simon Dawkins should see the starting XI as defensive midfielder Fatai Alashe is facing suspension. Up top, forward/captain Chris Wondolowski and Henok Goitom are a safe bet as well.
Columbus Crew SC will probably start the same formation that earned them success versus the New England Revolution last Saturday, a 4-2-3-1 set. Goalkeeper Steve Clark and defenders Harrison Afful, Michael Parkhurst, Nicolai Naess, and Hector Jimenez should see the starting XI. Designated player Federico Higuain will command the attack with fellow midfielders Will Trapp and Mohammed Saeid as the two pivot midfielders, Ethan Finlay and Justin Meram on the right and left wings respectively. Forward Ola Kamara should start as the number nine. Quakes fans should also be on the lookout for former San Jose forward Adam Jahn to make an appearance off the bench. Jahn scored the Crew’s lone goal versus the Union on Wednesday.
Final Score Prediction
Last season at this time, the Quakes lost to a last-place team, then followed it up with two straight draws. This season, the Quakes just lost to a last-place team and drew a second team. If history is any indication, the final result will be a 1-1 final. San Jose also has just one road win in one calendar year (August 12th at Vancouver Whitecaps). However, and wholly because I am impartial to San Jose, I’m predicting a 2-1 Quakes victory with Goitom getting his first for San Jose. The Quakes are in a playoff race, and Crew SC hasn’t looked the same after trading Kei Kamara.
Game Information
The Columbus Crew host the San Jose Earthquakes at MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday, August 27 at 7:30pm Eastern Time.
