<b>KEY PLAYERS :</b>
ATTACKING
The Whitecaps attack has been transformed by the inclusion of <b>Darren Mattocks</b> into the starting eleven since the Seattle game. His pace has forced the opposition backline to back up and play from a deeper position which creates more space for the midfielders and wingers to work the ball up the field. Another advantage for Mattocks and the Caps in this match is the unavailability of Marvel Wynne who is one of the fastest central defenders in the MLS.
After spending the majority of the early season on the injured list, the Rapids are hoping <b>Connor Casey</b> will be available to the team in order to provide a more physical presence up top. The American striker has yet to register a goal in the two starts and four appearances he has made this year. If he does start it will be hard to see him go the full 90 due to a lack of match fitness but Casey is capable of making an instant impact.
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DEFENCE
It is clear that <b>Jay DeMerit</b> has returned to the form that saw the American international become a starter for the U.S. national team in the 2010 World Cup. Against the Rapids the Captain will have to deal with a side that is very balanced in their scoring, as Colorado have ten different players who have their name on the scoresheet this season. If Casey starts then DeMerit will have to deal with the big striker who is especially dangerous in the air on set pieces.
The Rapids will need protection for their backline, especially when dealing with the pace of Mattocks, so expect central midfielder <b>Jeff Larentowicz</b> to play a little deeper in the hole to provide the coverage. If he does play in such a role then the Caps will have less to worry about defensively as Larentowicz is a danger going forward especially taking shots on target from distance.
<b>WHO'S ON FORM :</b>
Last week was a breakout performance for <b>Gershon Koffie</b>, whose passes set up two goals for the Whitecaps, even if he only picked up one assist officially. His other play was stellar as well, as he continually carved up Houston’s defenders with his passes.
During the offseason <b>Martin Rivero</b> was brought in on loan from Argentina to provide some creativity in the central midfield for the Rapids. After a bit of a slow start, Rivero has heated up and has a goal and four assists in his last six matches as a starter. Even when he doesn’t officially show up in the scoresheet his play will eventually lead to a chance or a goal for the Rapids.
<b>2012 RECORD :</b>
Vancouver:
6W-4D-3L
4th in Western Conference
Last Match: 3-1 Win vs Houston Dynamo
Colorado:
6W-1D-6L
5th in Western Conference
Last Match: 3-2 Win vs Montreal Impact
<b>PROJECTED LINE-UPS :</b>
<b>INJURIES/MISSING :</b>
Vancouver:
Out: GK Brian Sylvestre (knee), FW Atiba Harris (knee), FW Omar Salgado (foot)
Doubtful: MF Matt Watson (R ankle sprain)
Colorado:
Out: DF Anthony Wallace (L Achilles tear); MF Pablo Mastroeni (headaches)
Doubtful: DF Marvell Wynne (R hamstring strain)
Questionable: FW Omar Cummings (L ankle sprain)
Probable: MF Jamie Smith (R knee ACL tear); MF Ross LaBauex (sports hernia); FW Conor Casey (R hamstring strain)
<b>GAME ANALYSIS :</b>
The Vancouver Whitecaps try to extend their three game unbeaten streak when they host Colorado Rapids at BC Place. After losing to the Rapids twice last season, a result on Saturday would be the Caps first against Colorado since joining the MLS. In their first matchup Colorado won 2-1 and followed up in the final game of the season with the same scoreline in Vancouver.
Don’t expect any changes for the Caps from the starting eleven that defeated Houston 3-1, especially on the back end, with Joe Cannon starting between the posts. In front of him will be Jay DeMerit and Martin Bonjour with Alain Rochat on the left and Lee Young-Pyo on the right.
There could be a slight change in the midfield as the red hot Gershon Koffie looks to play the tip with Jun Marques Davidson and John Thorrington as the holding midfielders. The three attackers should be Darren Mattocks once again in the middle with Sebastian Le Toux and Davide Chiumiento on the wings.
This isn’t the same Rapids side that the Whitecaps faced last year, despite many of the players being still with the club. Oscar Pareja has installed a more flowing style of play that is possession oriented, compared to former coach Gary Smith’s straight ahead attack. The change has increased their possession percentage, passing accuracy and an increased number of chances when compared to last season.
There are a number of players for the Rapids that have been brought in to help with the shift in tactics, with Martin Rivero being the main figure in the central midfield. The attack runs through the Argentine and he is normally responsible for either starting the play that leads to the goal or just setting up the score himself.
The Caps have run into a bit of good luck, with the Rapids first two choices for central half unavailable for selection. The small but speedy Marvell Wynne is out with an injury, while Tyrone Marshall will be suspended for this match. They will look to normal left back Drew Moor and Scot Pagluta to try to contain the speed of Darren Mattocks.
There is no reason to expect the Whitecaps to deviate from their normal attack being spearheaded by their two wing backs, Lee and Rochat. With his steady improvement culminating into his breakout performance last week, Gershon Koffie should be in more of an attacking role, playing the tip of the midfield triangle.
This will be the Whitecaps second match of a three game home stand as the Club looks to continue their climb in the Western Conference table. The Caps will look to continue attacking early and catch the opposition on their back foot just like last week against Houston. If they can get the full result from this match the Whitecaps will be within three points of tying their total points from all of their first season in MLS.
<b>AFTN Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 3 Colorado Rapids 0</b>
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