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FC Dallas Vs Toronto FC: 3 things to look for – What can Jordan Hamilton provide?

By Marko Babic

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 29: Jozy Altidore (17) of Toronto FC celebrates his goal with Nick DeLeon (18) of Toronto FC during the first half of the MLS regular season match between Toronto FC and New York City FC on March 29, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 29: Jozy Altidore (17) of Toronto FC celebrates his goal with Nick DeLeon (18) of Toronto FC during the first half of the MLS regular season match between Toronto FC and New York City FC on March 29, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Toronto FC, Greg Vanney
ATLANTA, GA AUGUST 04: Toronto head coach Greg Vanney holds his head in his hands during the match between Atlanta United and Toronto FC on August 4th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC and Toronto FC played to a 2 2 draw. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Vanney’s starting XI

FC Dallas boss Luchi Gonzalez prefers to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation to accommodate his possession-based approach. Reds manager Greg Vanney has opted to utilize a 3-5-2 in three of his five encounters with the 4-2-3-1, hence it is plausible he will do so once again in Dallas. That said, I suspect each team will line-up as follows:

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Vanney’s selections in attack and midfield should be straight forward. Hamilton will likely lead the line with Pozuelo looking for space in between Jacori Hayes and Edwin Cerrillo as well as drifting to his right to support Richie Laryea and Marky Delgado to create three-vs-two’s on Dallas’ left side whenever Dominique Badji or Cerrillo are bypassed in transition. Midfielders Delgado, Liam Fraser, and Nick DeLeon have been in fine form of late. Fraser will look to dictate play from deep, while Delgado and DeLeon will push up into the attacking third to occupy the Toros backline, providing opportunities for wing-backs Laryea and Justin Morrow to find space out wide.

Vanney’s preferred defensive line is less obvious. Eriq Zavaleta, Drew Moor, and Justin Morrow will probably start, however, the right wing-back and left center-back spots are up for grabs due to injury concerns as well as the home side’s attacking capabilities on the flanks. Auro tends to play when healthy, but Vanney might bristle at the prospect of subjecting the Brazilian to speedy Senegalese winger Badji on his return to action.

In that case, Laryea ought to continue deputizing for Auro based on current form. First choice left center-back Chris Mavinga might miss out as well. Given that he is coming off a hamstring injury, it would be unwise to expect the Congolese international to contend with quick Colombian Michael Barrios when Morrow is caught out in transition. Consequently, Vanney might call on Laurent Ciman once again this week just to be safe.

Next. USMNT Vs Trinidad and Tobago: 3 players who must step up. dark

What are you expecting going into Saturday night’s match at Toyota Stadium? Let me know in the comments below.

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