In advance of Vancouver's <a href="http://www.whitecapsfc.com/node/3340">clash with Sporting Kansas City</a> today (4 p.m. Pacific, Sportsnet Pacific), the key question may be which Whitecaps' squad we're likely to see. The team that <a href="http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/content.php?1382-Thoughts-from-a-tumultuous-Whitecaps-opener">demolished Toronto FC 4-2</a> in their home opener two weeks ago was generally an offensive, creative-minded squad, but the injury-reduced side that <a href="http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/content.php?1414-10-man-Whitecaps-fall-to-Union">fell 1-0 to Philadelphia</a> last week was far less attacking-minded and less interested in keeping possession. That's not all down to strategy and personnel, either; Vancouver obviously approached the Philadelphia game with a more conservative mindset, but they weren't able to even execute a solid defensive plan for the entire game. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
There are still injury and suspension concerns that will prevent the Whitecaps from fielding a full-strength side, but it's going to be interesting to see how they approach this one. There are plenty of risks to an offence-oriented approach, especially against a team like Kansas City that has an impressive offensive cast of their own, but defending all game carries its own problems. With a likely raucous crowd in attendance, it might make sense for Vancouver to go for it a bit more than they did last week to try and keep the fans in the game.
On the roster front, the most notable news is up front. The team appears set to retain their typical 4-4-2, but designated player and talented French striker Eric Hassli will miss this match thanks to the red card he picked up last week. However, Atiba Harris <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-preview/vancouver-return-home-host-attack-minded-kc">is expected to be available</a> despite the injury he suffered against Philadelphia. Omar Salgado is technically available thanks to FIFA's recent ruling, but he's away on international duty with the U.S. U-20 side; thus, either Chinese striker Long Tan or Brazilian striker Camilo is expected to pair with Harris to start. Neither has seen significant action for the Whitecaps so far, so this may be a trial by fire for them.
In midfield, the team looks likely to again have to go without the playmaking abilities of the injured Davide Chuimiento in the middle, and they'll also have to find a replacement for wunderkind Russell Teibert (who's off with the Canadian U-20 team) down the left flank. They do have some options, though; Terry Dunfield and Gershon Koffie seem likely to start in the middle again, but the recently-signed Kevin Harmse is also available. Wes Knight replaced Teibert midway through last week's match, so he may slide in there again, while Nizar Khalfan will probably keep his spot on the left despite not being terribly impressive last week.
On defence, Greg Janicki's solid performance last week should likely see him get another start in the middle. Who's starting next to him is a matter of debate, though, as both Jay DeMerit and Michael Boxall are back from international duty, but have <a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Good+news+news+Whitecaps/4539171/story.html">their own health concerns</a> (although Boxall <a href="http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Whitecaps+starting+lineup+could+look+very+different+than+that+faced/4546918/story.html">trained Friday</a>), and <a href="http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/content.php?1442-Whitecaps-officially-add-Akloul">recently-signed</a> defender Mouloud Akloul is still likely a few weeks away. DeMerit's likely out and Boxall's likely in, but if he isn't healthy, Harmse could slide in here, or Alain Rochat could start in the middle again, which would mean the wingback positions would again likely be manned by Blake Wagner and Jonathan Leathers. If Boxall is good to go, Rochat probably slides over to left back and replaces Wagner (who could potentially move to left wing in place of Khalfan). Either Jay Nolly or Joe Cannon <a href="http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Whitecaps+starting+lineup+could+look+very+different+than+that+faced/4546918/story.html">could get the start in goal</a>.
Kansas City has their own injury and suspension issues to worry about, though. They're particularly going to miss designated player Omar Bravo, the talented Mexican striker who picked up a red card last week against Chicago. Experienced central defender Julio Cesar also may not be available, as he missed last week's match thanks to a foot injury that required 18 stitches. Even Teal Bunbury may be held to reduced time, as he only came in off the bench last week as part of working his way back from a dislocated elbow (but he did score). Regardless of when he comes in, though, he should get <a href="http://www.eightysixforever.com/2011/4/1/2085942/ninety-minutes-hate">quite the reception</a>.
This could be a very interesting match, as it features two sides that both have some firepower but are somewhat reduced from their usual strength thanks to injuries and suspensions. Saturday's clash may prove to be about who's able to adapt more easily. It's also going to be notable to keep an eye on the crowd, and how their presence compares to the incredible force <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mls/news?slug=ab-bucholtz_whitecaps_crowd-031911">displayed in the opener</a>. If they can make Empire Field an intimidating venue for Kansas City, that might be enough to nudge the Whitecaps over the top.