Top Of The Table Clash

Or at least they take the lead

Colorado has their biggest regular season game in years tomorrow night as 2nd placed Dallas comes to town to take on the first-placed Rapids (I'm using pts/game).  The winner will be the clear #1 in the West, #1 in the league, and have a good lead in the the Supporters Shield race.  Kickoff for this battle for the West is at 7pm with the tailgate starting at 4.  If you can't make it the game will be on Altitude.

Player Availability:

OUT: D Sean St. Ledger (knee); M Jermaine Jones; M Dillon Serna (season ending ACL tear)

ONE YELLOW FROM SUSPENSION: D Axel Sjoberg (2 games for good behavior reduction); F Shkelzen Gashi (4 games for good behavior reduction)

That's the official injury report.  The Rapids game preview lists Jones as Questionable and doesn't mention St. Ledger at all.  Dallas is just missing Zach Loyd.

Starting XI Prediction:

If Burling is ready to go he could take Miller's spot and Miller could move out left for Burch.  If Jones can go he's go in for Powers but I don't expect him to be available.  I'd like to see us in a 4-4-2 with Solignac up front with Doyle and Powers out, or if we want to keep the formation Pappa in the middle and Solignac out wide but I think Pablo will stick with Powers.

Prediction: 1-1 draw, goal by Doyle.  Dallas has the best offense in the league (tied) but they have struggled on the road at times.  They also played a USOC game midweek in hot and humid Houston. Their defense can be beat, even by our anemic offense.  I don't think this game will really decide anything and the teams will have to settle it in Dallas on September 10th.