Kansas City Wizards - Chivas USA: Head To Head Preview

On Form

Kansas City Wizards, by Isabel Navarro: The playoff chase is on and the Wizards are doing everything possible to stay in it. Last week they walked away with a point against Philadelphia Union. One of the team's key players was goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen. Nielsen is playing on another level, as he literally kept the team in the game. Nielsen earned his sixth NAPA save of the week award for a save he made during the game. Another Wizards player that is on point is veteran midfielder Davy Arnaud. The captain is a reliable player that is always alert and ready to pick up the slack; he scored the goal for the Wizards against the Union.

Chivas USA, by Manuel Carrera: Alan Gordon’s Player of the Week performance against New England may be the jump start that the Goats needed after losing two of their last three, as they cling to their very slim playoff aspirations. The Gordon and Braun tandem is an absolute nightmare for squads when the Chivas USA midfield provides enough service, due to their unrelenting work rate and defensive aggressiveness in the final third of the pitch. Sal Zizzo is also regaining fitness as he looks to regain the pre-injury form that landed him at Hannover.

Tactics

Wizards: Coach Peter Vermes has a talented team, including some very skilled strikers. The combination of Kamara and Birahim Diop has proven to be a successful formula. Kei Kamara was not present at the Philadelphia game due to international duty. Now that Kamara is back it is logical for Diop to remain a starter and Teal Bunbury to go back to the bench.

Chivas USA: A more traditional 4-4-2 from the Goats will start the match with Gordon and Braun covering large expanses of the pitch and alternating positions will help keep the Wizards on their heels, with Rodolfo Espinoza and Paulo Nagamura providing the service. Whether the tactic continues to function for the Goats will be determined by how well their back line can hold off the Kansas City attack and provide cover for the midfield.

Intangibles

Wizards: There are eight games left in the regular season, meaning that there are 24 points up for grabs. Kansas City is desperate to make it to the playoffs. They have proved in their last few games that they have the talent to make it. Other teams might have crumbled against the pressure but the Wizards seem to be able to handle it pretty well.

Chivas USA: A backs to the wall mentality coupled with an emotional win against their sister club will give the squad a boost in confidence as it attempts to defy all odds and make it out of the Western Conference cellar and into the playoffs.

Outcome

Wizards: The Wizards are ready to battle it out for a spot in the playoffs, and they have the amazing Nielsen who is looking for another shutout. Kansas City 1-0.

Chivas USA: Chivas USA 2-1 Kansas City: The Goats have not lost at home since June and have plenty of motivation, but the result will hinge on who scores first. The Goats have struggled when playing from behind, and an early Kansas City goal can derail any hope of a Chivas USA appearance in the playoffs early.

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