Ahead of Sunday's match vs. Columbus Crew, SportingKC.com caught up with Columbus Dispatch reporter Andrew Erickson to preview #CLBvSKC. The match will kick off at 12 p.m. CT and can be seen live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes with radio coverage on 99.3 FM and La Grande 1340.
What is the club's form heading into Sunday's match? Where are they compared to the expectations for the season?
The most recent four-game stretch (3-0-1) has been the Crew's best through 28 games, for a few reasons. The arrival of midfielder Pedro Santos from SC Braga in Portugal helped diversify the offense, as did Federico Higuain's return from a sprained knee. At the same time, defenders like center back Jonathan Mensah have stepped up over the last few games, giving the Crew a better chance to earn results. Most players have described this recent stretch as the Crew finally living up to its potential after an up-and-down first five months of the season.
Are there any injury concerns for Columbus? Do you expect many changes to the Starting XI from their previous match (2-1 win over FC Dallas)?
Most of the Crew's injuries are small. Niko Hansen, Waylon Francis and Artur all dealt with minor thigh injuries heading into the international break and have practiced more throughout the week. Ola Kamara suffered a lower left leg contusion in the win over Dallas but should be ready to play Sunday. Jonathan Mensah, Harrison Afful and Justin Meram all recently returned from international duty but should be close to game-ready. I would expect the starting XI to look similar to what the Crew rolled out for the Dallas game, save for there being a chance Afful returns to replace Hector Jimenez in the starting lineup at right back.
What's been the keys to Columbus' turnaround from last season (finished ninth with 36 points, 42 points this season with six matches left)?
Health is a big reason. Despite missing seven weeks earlier this summer, Federico Higuain was healthy for the early portion of the season. Gaston Sauro is out for the season, but the Crew was able to spend the offseason planning for his absence as opposed to having to replace him mid-season. The defense, too, has had stretches where it has shown improvement over last season, including the final 15 minutes of games. Last season, the Crew allowed a league-high 22 goals after the 75th minute. With six games to go this season, they've allowed 11.
Who are a few players to watch for Sunday's match?
Forward Ola Kamara is one. It was immediately clear when the Crew returned to a 4-2-3-1 formation at the beginning of this homestand that he is more comfortable and more productive with more attacking players around him. On the defensive end, Jonathan Mensah appears to be playing with confidence and has improved his one-versus-one defending. Goalkeeper Zack Steffen has been fairly consistent throughout the season.
How you see Columbus' attack matching up against Sporting KC's defense?
I don't think there are many attacks that match up well with Sporting KC's defense, but I think Crew SC matches up better now than it would have a month ago. There are more attacking options and more for Sporting KC to pay attention to. Crew SC has been at its most dangerous over the last two games with Justin Meram, Federico Higuain and Pedro Santos on the field at the same time. That being said, the attack will have to be patient if it wants to break down a Sporting KC defense that has so far been the best in the league.
Any players, matchups that you'll looking forward to seeing from Sunday's match?
I'm interested to see how the two teams stack up in the middle of the park. Sunday's game is between two of the top seven teams in the league in terms of possession, so I'm curious to see how control of the game does or does not shift between the two sides.