Toronto FC @ Houston Dynamo - Match Preview

Tomorrow night we take on the Houston Dynamo at Robertson Stadium in a match that will mark Dwayne De Rosario's first ever match in Houston as a member of the Dynamo's opposition. In a way it is a homecoming for him. The same can be said for Adrian Serioux, who won an MLS Cup in 2006 with the Dynamo before finding his away across Texas in Dallas.

We all know that both Serioux and De Rosario are in their true homes now, back in Toronto. It will be interesting to see the reception both of them receive from the Dynamo faithful - who are bound to be in good voice.

What: Toronto FC @ Houston Dynamo
Where: Robertson Stadium (capacity 32,000)
When: Saturday, May 30 @ 8:30 pm ET
TV: Rogers Sportsnet, Direct Kick, Match Center

According to Chris Cummins' pre-match interview, everyone is good to go for us except for rookie striker O'Brian White, who has been out all season so far. He mentioned that he might be resting some players tomorrow for Tuesday's Voyageur's Cup clash with Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Swanguard Stadium. The V-Cup is ours for the taking, and we could clinch it on Tuesday.

After hearing Cummins say this, I expect we'll line up in a 4-4-2 rather than a 4-3-3. If I had to guess how we're going to lineup, I'd go with this...

--------------------Frei-------------------
Wynne-----Serioux----Velez-----Brennan
-----------------Robinson-----------------
Cronin---------------------------------Vitti
------------------Guevara-----------------
-----------De Rosario-----Barrett----------

I am expecting both Amado Guevara and Marvell Wynne to go the full 90 in this one - the two are away on international duty next week. I also expect that Chris Cummins will rest Danny Dichio for Tuesday, and he dropped a hint midweek that Vitti could get the start out wide in midfield, which is a move I'd support.

Houston Dynamo aren't the most beat up side either, as they'll only for sure be missing centre half Eddie Robinson. Both Richard Mulrooney and Wade Barrett are questionable for this one, so we'll have to wait and see if either of them play. The Dynamo have a recent history of starting slow before picking it up as the season goes on, and this year is no different. Houston is unbeaten in six and are now up to third in the Western Conference standings. Here is how Houston might line up...

---------------------Onstad------------------
Mulrooney---Boswell-----Cameron--Hainault
---------------------Clark--------------------
----Mullan---------Holden----------Davis----
--------------Kamara------Ching-------------

One player I'm looking forward to seeing is Canadian defender Andrew Hainault. I really wish we had managed to get this guy. He's apparently been a hit since his arrival in Houston, starting three of four matches since he was signed. It will also be interesting to see if former Red Julius James gets any action tomorrow night. He's only played 33 minutes all season, but with Eddie Robinson injured, he could be a second half substitute.

Given the fact that Houston is unbeaten in six and have yet to lose at home, it's hard to see us getting a win tomorrow night. If we can't manage a result, the good news is that we have Los Angeles, and then the Red Bulls twice, all at home in June. I'm remaining optimistic though. If De Rosario and Guevara can take control of this one, we could be in for a nice surprise.