<b>KEY PLAYERS :</b>
ATTACKING
The Whitecaps need to score in this match against Chivas and with Mattocks unavailable due to injury they will have rely on <b>Kenny Miller</b> to make this happen. He had a very good second half against Seattle with some great touches, including his flick on to Camilo that almost gave the Whitecaps the full three points.
Chivas have struggled to score goals recently and the only player that seems to be dangerous on their team is winger <b>Miller Bolanos</b>. The Ecuadorian footballer has averaged about five shots a game over the last four but has not been able to find the net on a consistent basis. Despite the off target attempts the Whitecaps will have to pay special attention to this right sided midfielder.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
DEFENCE
While Rochat would be the obvious option at left back <b>Jordan Harvey</b> has performed adequately for the team, especially on the defensive side. However the Caps need the defender to perform better in the final third by making better decisions and improving his touch around the box.
There is a history between <b>Danny Califf</b> and the Whitecaps, especially when he would go up against former Cap Eric Hassli. This is a different group of strikers that Califf will face when he goes up against the Caps but expect the American defender to bring his toughness and physical play to the pitch.
<b>WHO'S ON FORM :</b>
After a long stay on the injury list <b>Andy O’Brien</b> returned to the line-up to partner with DeMerit and was clearly the strongest of two on the backline. He solidified the defensive play with his calm presence and rarely made a mistake while covering for his partner’s forays into the midfield.
It is hard to find a player that has performed well during a six game losing streak but if it wasn’t for <b>Dan Kennedy</b> this season, things would be a lot worse for Chivas. The keeper is the leader in MLS when it comes to facing shots as he does not get great support from his backline.
<b>2012 RECORD :</b>
Vancouver:
10W-9D-12L
5th in Western Conference
Last Match: 0-0 Draw with Seattle
Chivas:
7W-7D-16L
9th in Western Conference
Last Match: 4-0 Loss vs Real Salt Lake
<b>PROJECTED LINE-UPS :</b>
<b>INJURIES/MISSING :</b>
Vancouver:
Out: FW Etienne Barbara (back), MF John Thorrington (hamstring)
Questionable: FW Darren Mattocks (hamstring)
Chivas:
Out: MF Ryan Smith (concussion)
Doubtful: GK Tim Melia (back)
Probable: DF Jorge Villafaña (calf), MF Ben Zemanski (ankle)
<b>GAME ANALYSIS :</b>
The Vancouver Whitecaps are entering the match against Chivas USA from a more desperate position. They have come to the point of the season where wins are vital and draws are not useful. In order to make the playoffs this game could be considered a must win, if any game will be, since this same Chivas side will be playing FC Dallas twice over their last three games.
It looks as though Brad Knighton has secured the starting keeper’s spot for the Whitecaps and should have Jay DeMerit partner with Andy O’Brien as the central pairing. Joining them on the outside of the backline will be Lee Young-Pyo on the right and Jordan Harvey on the left side.
With Thorrington out due to an injury, Matt Watson enters the lineup on the right side of the diamond opposite Gershon Koffie. The two tips will be occupied by Alain Rochat in the holding spot and Barry Robson at the top of the diamond.
One of the two striker positions will have Kenny Miller slotted there, with the striker having a couple of solid games in a row. With Mattocks out due to an injury the other spot may go to Camilo, but I believe that an alternative option would be Dane Richards as a striker.
There were times Richards played the striker position during his time in New York and while he doesn’t have the finish of Mattocks, he can provide similar speed that will keep the backline stretched. It also allows Rennie to bring Camilo off the bench, where the Brazilian can provide his scoring prowess.
The stretching of the defense will allow more space to the midfielders to build up play and try to set up a goal from open play. Because of the lack of wingers in the midfielders in the eleven, the Caps will need their fullbacks to push up the ball and send in more crosses.
Scoring has been the biggest problem for Chivas USA this season and more recently where they have only scored one goal in the month of September, losing all six games. They have tried to use different formations like the 4-4-2, the 4-2-3-1, the 4-3-3 and others in order to resolve this issue.
Chivas USA patterns their attack on the RSL model, as Robin Fraser was a former assistant there, which means there is a high priority based on possession in the midfield. The Caps will need to keep the midfield clogged up and not allow their opponents to control the pace of play.
The coaching staff may not state publically this game a must win but there is no doubt that the team will be in dire straits without one. A full three points will give them some brief breathing space between themselves and FC Dallas in the race to the final spot of the playoffs.
<p>